Matlala claims Sibiya threatened his wife before testimony

Alleged underworld figure Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala has made serious claims against former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Matlala alleges that Sibiya threatened his wife, Tsakane, before he testified before parliament's Ad Hoc Committee last year. According to Matlala, Sibiya made telephonic contact with his wife from a private number on multiple occasions, warning her that Matlala should not disclose information about him to the committee.

The threats were allegedly intended to intimidate Matlala into not implicating Sibiya or disclosing information about him to the committee. Matlala's claims are contained in his now-collapsed plea agreement, which was read out at the Madlanga commission on Monday. The agreement was made public after Matlala failed in his bid to block its use. The Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga commission were investigating allegations of criminal infiltration by cartels within the criminal justice system.

Matlala faced questions on his plea agreement after his lawyer attempted to block the commission from using the content to question him. Matlala confirmed before the Madlanga commission that the statement was accurate but refused to answer further questions about the allegations. He cited concerns for someone's life, which he feared could be in danger. Matlala's lawyer, Bronwynne Nicholas Forbay, had represented him during the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee hearing.

Matlala alleges that Forbay was being coached by Sibiya on the questions he would be asked and how he should respond. He claims that Sibiya, through Forbay, instructed him to correct his previous statements and downplay his visits to Sibiya's residence. Matlala had initially stated that he had not been to Sibiya's residence, but later revealed that he had visited several times. Matlala's allegations suggest that Sibiya had significant influence over the proceedings.

Matlala further alleges that Sibiya organised a meeting with deputy minister of public works Bernice Swarts to help him secure a lease agreement at an SAPS hospital. Matlala claims that Sibiya contacted him after the meeting, requesting money to buy alcohol for a traditional ceremony. Matlala agreed to assist, handing Sibiya R80,000 in cash at OR Tambo International Airport. He alleges that Sibiya later requested a further R200,000 in connection with the lease agreement.

During his appearance before parliament, Matlala claimed that he had met Sibiya three times while the former deputy commissioner was investigating a case involving missing businessman Jerry Boshoga. However, evidence presented before the Madlanga commission suggests a closer relationship between Matlala and Sibiya. Allegations include that Matlala gave Sibiya R2m to build a bed and breakfast establishment and bought him 20 impalas.

The Madlanga commission has also implicated former police sergeant Fannie Nkosi as an alleged middleman between Matlala and Sibiya. Nkosi is accused of collecting money from criminal cartels on Sibiya's behalf. Matlala's claims against Sibiya add to the growing list of allegations against the former deputy commissioner. The commission's findings will likely have significant implications for those involved.

Key points

• Matlala alleges Sibiya threatened his wife to intimidate him into not testifying against him.
• Matlala claims Sibiya influenced his lawyer and coached him on what to say during the parliamentary hearing.
• The Madlanga commission has implicated several individuals, including former police sergeant Fannie Nkosi, in alleged connections with Sibiya and Matlala.