The Madlanga Commission resumed on Thursday with Witness C continuing his testimony after a week-long break, giving further insight into the police search at the Centurion home of alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and expanding on earlier claims of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Witness C — whose identity remains protected — was one of the lead detectives investigating Matlala’s network.
He previously testified that Matlala’s companies had benefited from a R1.2 billion SAPS tender allegedly secured through senior police officials, including Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and counterintelligence head Feroz Khan.
Today’s session focused on the events of 6 December 2024, when police conducted a raid at Matlala’s Centurion mansion.
Witness C told the commission that investigators found firearms, torn white sheets resembling those used in a kidnapping video, and staff uniforms bearing the logo “CAT VIP Protection.”
The firearms, he said, were unlawfully licensed.
“The permits had been digitally signed, which is prohibited under the Firearms Control Act,” Witness C explained.
Although the kidnapped victim, identified as businessman Jerry Boshoga, was not found, he testified that it became clear Matlala had prior knowledge of the operation.
“My conclusion is that Matlala had ample time to move Jerry Boshoga as he knew we were coming,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Witness C detailed how Matlala claimed close ties with senior SAPS officials, naming Sibiya, Khan, and organised crime head Richard Shibiri as associates.
He testified that Matlala said these figures “helped him secure” the multimillion-rand police tender and that payments were later channelled through intermediaries linked to Detective Services.
According to Witness C, Matlala admitted to paying follow-up cash bribes after each SAPS payment.
He also alleged that Matlala maintained contact with then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu through a man identified as Brown Mogotsi, and that he often hosted General Khan at his Menlyn Maine penthouse.
The detective also confirmed that evidence from Matlala’s seized phones could not be retrieved after he reportedly burned the devices, claiming he feared they were being tracked.
During questioning, Witness C outlined how police obtained an arrest warrant for Matlala on 13 May 2025 in connection with a separate attempted murder case in Sandton.
He said Matlala was arrested after his luxury car hit a pothole during a police surveillance operation in Midrand.
“It was fortunate for us because his Mercedes-Benz came to a standstill on the side of the road,” he told the commission .
Matlala is facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
His alleged co-accused include businessman Musa Kekana and Floyd Mabusela, with additional suspects added later, including Matlala’s wife, Tsakani Madlala.
Witness C described Matlala as “the hit orderer,” saying money transfers made before and after the crime linked him directly to the shooting.
Swisher Post reported earlier this week that the Johannesburg High Court dismissed Matlala’s bail appeal, meaning he will remain behind bars while awaiting trial.
Prosecutors argued that his wealth and international connections made him a flight risk, while the National Prosecuting Authority said his name had become synonymous with corruption linked to SAPS tenders.
