Corruption-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala refused to identify people he claims paid money to suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, saying that suspended sergeant Fannie Nkosi acted as a middleman who allegedly collected the payments.
Testifying at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, Matlala said Sibiya received cash from people in Gauteng, but declined to name them, saying disclosure could incriminate him.
“I can’t say who paid the money… I don’t want to incriminate myself,” Matlala said.
He added that the information came from a third party who told him Sibiya had gone to collect money.
Matlala also sought to clarify his April 15 2025 meeting with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, insisting he had told the senior officer about payments allegedly made to Sibiya by other people, not by him.
“I didn’t say I gave General Sibiya money,” Matlala said, distancing himself from allegations that he bankrolled the suspended deputy commissioner after his company, Medicare24, secured a R228 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender.
The commission’s latest report has recommended that Sibiya be investigated over corruption allegations.
Sibiya and Mkhwanazi have also become embroiled in a public dispute, with Mkhwanazi alleging that Sibiya had links to criminals.
Matlala refused to provide further details about the alleged payments, saying the information formed part of his legal strategy.
He claimed his meeting with Mkhwanazi, arranged by former police minister Bheki Cele, ultimately preceded his arrest on attempted murder charges on May 14 2025.
He said he had sought the meeting because Medicare24 was facing complaints over non-performance.
Matlala wanted Mkhwanazi to help him reach the police human-resources and explain the delays affecting the company.
The hearing also returned to Matlala’s links with the late taxi boss Jotham Msibi, who was alleged to be a leader of the so-called “Big Five” cartel.
Matlala previously provided protection services to Msibi and said Maj-Gen Lestja Senona, then KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, visited Msibi’s farm.
Senona previously told the commission he met Matlala at his wedding in Soshanguve, but Matlala said he had seen Senona at Msibi’s farm before the wedding.
Matlala’s testimony was postponed to a later date.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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