Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, a former SAPS informant, testified before the Madlanga Commission that he was coerced by former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya into lying about their relationship during his testimony to the ad hoc committee. Matlala claimed that Sibiya used his former attorney, Mr. Forbay, to relay messages to him, instructing him not to reveal the truth about their connection.
According to Matlala, Forbay would often receive calls from Sibiya during breaks at the ad hoc committee and then pass on the phone to Matlala. Sibiya would then provide Matlala with instructions on how to answer parliamentary questions, which he claimed to have known beforehand. This led Matlala to suspect that Sibiya was in contact with one or more members of the ad hoc committee.
Matlala also alleged that Sibiya forced him to use Forbay as his lawyer and that he had paid Forbay R50 000 for his services, although he initially retracted this statement under scrutiny. Furthermore, Matlala claimed that Forbay had intentionally lost one of his phones, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, after the SAPS had returned the device, and that his other phone, an iPhone 16, had been stolen from a briefcase.
Matlala stated that he had regularly deleted phone calls and chats with Sibiya after each conversation, as advised by Sibiya, to protect him as a police general. He claimed that Sibiya had instructed him to protect him at all costs and not to let anyone know about their communication.
The introduction between Matlala and Sibiya was facilitated by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, also known as 007, at the farm of the late taxi boss Jotham 'King Swazi' Msibi. Sibiya recently resigned from the SAPS at the start of his disciplinary hearing and is currently being held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility awaiting trial on sex-related charges.
Matlala's testimony raises questions about the integrity of the ad hoc committee's proceedings and potential undue influence exerted by Sibiya on its members. The Madlanga Commission will likely investigate these claims further to determine the extent of Sibiya's involvement and the impact on Matlala's testimony.
The case highlights the complexities of police politics and potential corruption within the SAPS. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to examine the relationships between key figures, including Sibiya, Matlala, and Forbay, to uncover the truth behind these allegations.
Key points
- Shadrack Sibiya allegedly coerced Vusimuzi Matlala into lying about their relationship during his testimony to the ad hoc committee.
- Matlala claims that Sibiya used his former attorney, Mr. Forbay, to relay messages and instruct him on what to say during parliamentary questioning.
- Sibiya is currently facing trial on sex-related charges and has resigned from the SAPS amid allegations of corruption and undue influence.
Reporting sources
- Sibiya coerced Matlala into lying to the ad hoc committee · Mail & Guardian
