Radio and television personality Lerato Kganyago is once again in the spotlight after her hotel and spa, Hillel Villa & Spa, was referenced during testimony at the ongoing Madlanga Commission hearings in Pretoria.
The establishment, which Thami Ndlela famously presented to Kganyago as a Valentine’s Day gift in 2022, has resurfaced in connection with the testimony of a protected witness linked to investigations into organised crime and police corruption.
According to testimony before the Madlanga Commission, Witness A — an SAPS detective attached to the Organised Crime Unit — told the inquiry that he had received an invitation to a party at Hillel Villa & Spa, allegedly sent through a colleague by businessman Thami Ndlela. Witness A stated that when he attended the event, he was surprised to see several senior police officials in attendance, including Major-General Richard Shibiri.
Witness A described the event as part of what he believed were efforts to “sway” investigators handling cases involving criminal cartels in Gauteng.
“I was shocked to see senior police officers there, some of whom were under investigation,” he testified.
He added that such gatherings appeared designed to influence law enforcement officials or win their cooperation in ongoing cartel-linked cases.
The Madlanga Commission — chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga — is investigating allegations of corruption, interference, and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s law enforcement structures.
The hearings resumed this week with evidence from Witness A, who is testifying from a safe house with his face concealed for security reasons.
Thami Ndlela, Kganyago’s husband, has been the subject of public scrutiny before.
As reported by News24, he previously appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria in a separate case involving allegations of fraud and extortion dating back several years.
In that matter, Ndlela accused a suspended Hawks officer of demanding R100,000 from him — a case that has yet to reach final resolution.
While Kganyago herself has not been implicated in the Madlanga Commission proceedings, social media users have revived discussions about the ownership and operations of Hillel Villa & Spa following its mention in the inquiry.
The luxury property, located in Northcliff, Johannesburg, markets itself as an exclusive hospitality venue offering accommodation, spa treatments, and private events.
Neither Kganyago nor Ndlela has issued a public statement addressing the mention of the property at the commission. Efforts to obtain comment from their representatives were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony from multiple witnesses this week.
