How Cat Matlala bankrolled crime expert Calvin Rafadi's lifestyle

MONEY for car repairs, fuel, rent, an e-hailing ride, and payment towards the academic’s PhD studies were among Crime expert Calvin Rafadi’s ‘requests’ for favours from attempted murder-accused and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

This emerged from WhatsApp messages presented by Witness X before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary.

Witness X this week continued from where the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, had left off before he fell ill at the Madlanga Commission. In his evidence last month, Khumalo  set out that he would deliver chats between individuals — Brown Mogotsi, Major-General Lesetja Senona (KZN head of Hawks), Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi (Ekurhuleni Metro Boss), Rafadi, and Suleiman Carrim (businessman and ANC member), whom he alleged all have a beneficial relationship with Matlata. 

Witness X, whose identity is being protected by the Commission, testified from a remote location, with evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC, leading the witness’s testimony, while Advocate Thabang Pooe led the intermediary evidence. 

However, due to a security breach that raised safety concerns, Hassim had to read Witness X’s affidavit into the record.

The conversations shared between Rafadi and Matlala begin on December 12, 2024 and end on May 13, 2025. 

According to the testimony by Witness X, Rafadi has a beneficial relationship with Matlala. 

“The analysis demonstrates that the requests for money and other favors are tied to Mr Rafadi performing a media and propaganda function for Mr Matlala. While the payments are not always linked to a request, in some instances, a payment for a favour is made, thereafter documentation is exchanged, and Mr Rafadi proceeds to make public statements against the PKTT (Political Killings Task Team),” Witness X stated.

“The chat is characterised by requests for money or favours by Mr Rafadi. Mr Rafadi makes repeated requests for assistance with petrol and other help. As we will see as we go through the chats, Mr Rafadi returns the favours by contributing to a media narrative that suits Mr Matlala regarding the PKTT,” Witness X said. 

On December 18, 2024, Rafadi requested petrol from Matlala, and rent money four days later.

Between January 9 and 10, 2025, Rafadi requests financial assistance for registering for a PhD. In response, Matlala makes a payment to Rafadi’s company, Bizztracers, for R20 000. 

Rafadi then made further requests for payment of tuition fees; however, Matlala indicated that it was not a good time as the company was not stable.

On January 15, 2025, Rafadi requested petrol. Then, on January 31, 2025, Rafadi requested to use a spare car.

“Any spare car I can use? Please,” to which Matlala replied: “I had one, but the bank took it, I’m expecting a car next month.”

On March 2, 2025, he requested petrol. On March 7, 2025, Rafadi requested diesel from Matlala. “Please share diesel when you get.” This was followed by a call.

On March 17, 2025, Rafadi requested petrol. On March 23, 2025, Rafadi requested money, and in response, Matlala indicated he sent R3000, then Rafadi responded with a payment received picture and a shaking hands picture.

On April 9, 2025, Rafadi requested money, to which Matlala responded with a screenshot of a banking app showing a negative balance.

On April 12, 2025, Rafadi sent a reminder to Matlala, who indicated he will send it soon. 

On April 15, 2025, Rafadi sent a request for a vehicle: “Salaam, don’t you have any small car I can use meantime?”

On April 16, 2025, Rafadi requests a taxi/Uber. In response, Matlala sends a screenshot of the Uber details page with the vehicle and driver’s details.

On April 17, 2025, Rafadi requested a “small resource to travel”, in particular taxi/Uber to travel to a studio. In response, Matlala requested the address. This is followed by a call from Rafadi to Matlala.

On May 4, 2025, Rafadi again requested petrol.

On May 5, 2025, Rafadi sent a reminder for money, and in response, Matlala indicated that he is “down now” but will honour the request the following day or Wednesday. 

On May 17, 2025, Rafadi requested money for car repairs. After Matlala made a payment, Rafadi responded with a series of celebratory gifs. 

Witness X said that: “In addition to payment requests and payments shared on WhatsApp, Mr Matlala’s phone analysis had three additional payments made by Mr Matlala to Mr Rafadi on the following occasions, 2 March 25 and two payments on 17 April 25.”

Rafadi has reportedly stated that he is prepared to testify before the Commission.

Cape Times