The Madlanga commission has highlighted inconsistencies in the testimony of Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, an alleged cartel member. During his appearance before parliament's Ad Hoc Committee, Matlala denied giving 20 impalas to former police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, calling it "rumours". However, when questioned at the Madlanga commission, Matlala conceded that the impalas were indeed delivered to Sibiya. He claimed he only became aware of the delivery shortly before it happened.
Matlala's explanation for the impalas was that he had given them to former police sergeant Fannie Nkosi to distribute as they "were breeding". He stated that he knew the impalas were going to Sibiya when Nkosi sent him the delivery location. The commission also inquired about how Nkosi obtained Matlala's bank card. Initially, Matlala said he left the card at a farm belonging to late taxi boss Jotham Mnisi and allowed Nkosi to use it to buy a battery for his boat.
However, when confronted with his previous testimony, Matlala acknowledged that he had given Nkosi his bank card on multiple occasions to make purchases on his behalf. Nkosi is alleged to have been the middleman between Sibiya and alleged criminal cartel members. He has since resigned from the SAPS after his arrest for having police dockets at his house. Matlala also admitted to making two payments totalling R550,000 to Sibiya.
Matlala confirmed a statement detailing a R500,000 payment made to Sibiya in the basement of the State Theatre in Pretoria. He stated that his companies' banking statements would confirm the time he withdrew large sums of money after being awarded a contract. Sibiya allegedly needed the money for one of his children's weddings in the North West province. On Monday, Matlala conceded that he had also given Sibiya a further R50,000.
When questioned about why Sibiya requested the money, Matlala asked to explain the circumstances during an in-camera session. Co-commissioner Sesi Baloyi expressed frustration with Matlala's repeated refusal to answer questions, citing concerns about incriminating himself and being accused of perjury. Baloyi reminded Matlala that he was there to assist the commission's fact-finding mission.
The commission's co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo questioned Matlala about the inconsistencies in his testimony. Matlala initially denied leaving his bank card at Mnisi's farm, but later acknowledged giving it to Nkosi on multiple occasions. The commission is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration into the criminal justice system.
The Madlanga commission's findings have significant implications for the alleged cartel members and their connections within the police department. Matlala's testimony has revealed a complex web of relationships and transactions between alleged cartel members and high-ranking police officials. The commission will continue to investigate these allegations and gather more evidence.
Key points
- Matlala's testimony shows discrepancies between his statements to parliament and the Madlanga commission.
- Matlala admitted to making payments totalling R550,000 to former police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
- The commission is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration into the criminal justice system.
