The Madlanga Commission resumes its public hearings today, as the inquiry continues examining evidence of corruption and abuse of authority within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Last week’s session focused on a video showing Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s former partner, Cordelia Kabeng, known on social media as “Mama Cat”, driving a convoy of luxury vehicles onto an airport tarmac in Pretoria.
The footage, presented during the commission’s Friday sitting, raised questions about how Kabeng obtained access to a restricted aviation area without official clearance.
Retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies, who testified before the commission, described the incident as “very suspect.”
He told commissioners Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC that such access would normally require strict authorisation from the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit or Airports Company South Africa.
“I know if I tried to drive to the tarmac, I would fail dismally — they would not allow me to do that,” said Baloyi, questioning how permission was granted.
Spies said the security breach could have resulted from either an insider allowing the vehicles through or airport security being misled by the presence of blue lights.
“If you approach the security officers and you have blue lights and sirens, they will believe it’s SAPS that’s approaching,” he testified.
The commission also heard that Matlala, who faces charges including attempted murder, allegedly used blue lights on his vehicles to impersonate law enforcement officers.
Spies warned that the unlawful use of such equipment had become widespread, often exploited by criminals during hijackings and robberies.
“The misuse and abuse of blue lights has become a scourge in our country,” he said.
He added that even seasoned officers were cautious of being stopped by unverified vehicles displaying flashing lights, saying he would personally only stop at a police station or a well-lit area.
Spies suggested legislative changes may be needed to regulate the sale of blue lights, which are currently not prohibited.
The Madlanga Commission adjourned on Friday after hearing Spies’s testimony and is expected to resume this morning with further witnesses.
Watch the live stream of the Madlanga Commission below.
