Matlala reveals 'links' with suspended top cop Sibiya

CONTROVERSIAL tenderpreneur and attempted murder-accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s   connections with deputy national commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya came under the spotlight when he was asked to explain the nature of their meetings.

Matlala, currently detained at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre since his April arrest, is facing multiple serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a R2 billion fraud linked to Tembisa Hospital.

He continued with his testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

Evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse S.C challenged Matlala to explain the nature of his relationship with Sibiya.

Arendse found it strange that Sibiya didn't mention that he had three meetings with Sibiya in his testimony. Sibiya previously claimed that he only knew Matlala as a service provider.

Elaborating on his testimony from Wednesday, Matlala explained that in the third meeting with Sibiya, he was questioned about the kidnapping of Matala’s friend Jerry Boshoga.

When asked by Arendse if he had anything to do with the kidnapping, Matlala said he didn't.

ANC MP Xola Nqola grilled Matlala on his relationship with Sergeant F. Nkosi and Sibiya.

“You have no personal relationship with General Sibiya, but his right-hand man runs your errands. You also attend some of his family occasions. How is that possible?” asked Nqola.

“It is possible.. Because I do not think Sergeant Nkosi only knows General Sibiya, so he has other interactions with other people besides him,” Matlala said.

Nqola said: “In your statement, you claim not to have a personal relationship with Sibiya, but he says you went to his office once. You say you went to his office three times. You have his right-hand man as your errand boy. You attend his family occasions. How is it possible that you don't know that person, in person?”

“But Sergeant Nkosi is not General Sibiya,” Matlala said. “Those are two different people.”

Cape Times