Madlanga Commission tightens the net as Hawks boss faces explosive questions over ‘Cat’ Matlala links

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has entered a critical phase as senior law enforcement officials face intense scrutiny over alleged corruption, clandestine meetings, and controversial tender dealings within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

On Wednesday, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona returned to the witness stand in Pretoria, continuing testimony that has already raised serious questions about the conduct of top-ranking police figures and their alleged connections to underworld-linked businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Senona Under Fire Over Relationship With ‘Cat’ Matlala

Senona’s appearance follows a tense opening day in which he was grilled about claims that he assisted Matlala, a man he has publicly referred to as a “brother.” The relationship is at the centre of allegations linked to a controversial R360-million SAPS tender contract.

Despite the pressure, Senona has categorically denied any wrongdoing, insisting he never helped Matlala secure contracts nor acted on behalf of what has been described as the “Big Five cartel.” He maintained that his interactions with Matlala were misconstrued and did not breach the law.

However, the commission expressed concern over Senona’s inability to convincingly explain why he accompanied Matlala to meet senior police leadership.

Questions Over Meeting With SAPS Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

One of the most damaging revelations emerged around an alleged April 15, 2025 meeting involving Matlala and KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

According to Senona’s testimony, the meeting was allegedly arranged by former police minister Bheki Cele and occurred just weeks before Matlala’s arrest on attempted murder charges in May 2025.

Senona told the commission that Mkhwanazi allegedly offered to halt investigations into Matlala in exchange for information about suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, a claim that has significantly escalated the inquiry.

Mkhwanazi has not responded under oath to these allegations yet, but the commission has confirmed he will return to testify.

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Commission Orders ‘Dangerous Man’ Name to Be Revealed

Tensions rose further when the commission debated whether to publicly disclose the name of a “dangerous man” linked to Sibiya, referenced in an alleged WhatsApp message from Mkhwanazi to Senona.

Despite objections from Senona’s legal team, Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that the name must be read into the record, citing the public interest and transparency obligations of the inquiry.

The individual was later identified as Steve Motsumi, whose name had previously been withheld during proceedings.

WhatsApp Message Suggests Serious Internal Fallout

In a dramatic moment, Senona read out a message he claims was sent by Mkhwanazi, warning that revealing details of the Matlala meeting would “put his life at risk” by exposing him to Sibiya and Motsumi.

The message also alleges that Matlala volunteered sensitive information, including claims of cash payments, property dealings, and the use of state vehicles for illicit activities, claims that remain untested but deeply troubling.

Why the Madlanga Commission Matters

The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate systemic corruption, political interference, and criminal syndicates within SAPS and related state institutions.

With senior officials now contradicting one another under oath, the inquiry is exposing fractures at the highest levels of law enforcement, raising urgent questions about accountability, public trust, and institutional integrity.

The commission continues this week, with further testimony expected to clarify whether these allegations amount to criminal conduct or internal power struggles.

FAQ

What is the Madlanga Commission?

The Madlanga Commission is a judicial inquiry investigating corruption, criminal syndicates, and political interference within SAPS and related law enforcement bodies.

Why is Lesetja Senona testifying?

Senona is testifying over allegations that he assisted businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and was involved in questionable meetings linked to a major SAPS tender.

Who is Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala?

Matlala is a controversial figure accused of attempted murder and linked to a disputed R360-million SAPS contract.

Is Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicated?

Mkhwanazi has been accused by Senona of offering to halt investigations against Matlala in exchange for information. He is expected to respond under oath.

What is the Big Five cartel?

The term refers to an alleged criminal network linked to SAPS contracts. Senona denies having any association with it.

Why was Steve Motsumi’s name revealed?

The commission ruled that public interest outweighed safety concerns, ordering his name disclosed during testimony.

What happens next at the commission?

Further witnesses, including Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi, are expected to testify as the inquiry continues to probe high-level corruption claims.