Sibiya implicates top cop in Matlala's sponsored BBL

SUSPENDED Deputy National Commissioner for crime intelligence Shadrack Sibiya has placed Acting Deputy Commissioner for crime intelligence Hilda Senthumule at the centre of allegations that she was the beneficiary of a medical procedure paid for by suspected underworld kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Sibiya also told the Madlanga Commission of Senthumule’s role in allegedly securing 10 refrigerators Matlala donated during the SAPS National Excellence Awards. 

The fridges were apparently handed over to the officers who were honoured for their outstanding work in crime fighting.

Sibiya expressed concern over Senthumule's public denial of ties to Matlala, saying he was in possession of WhatsApp evidence showing she invited Matlala to a SAPS award ceremony.

"I have in possession of WhatsApp communication which indicates that General Senthumule instructed Major-General Manamela to extend an invitation to Matlala to attend the service excellence awards," he said.

He testified that in 2024 it was alleged that 10 refrigerators were accepted by Senthumule from Matlala's company Medicare24, to be given to best performers within SAPS.

"I am also informed that Matlala and his wife were invited to Senthumule's private residence," he said.

Sibiya claimed Senthumule also benefited from Matlala in circumstances that were not disclosed, including allegations that Matlala covered costs of her Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedure.

"These allegations included certain medical procedures performed by medical practitioners the cost of which were paid for by Matlala," he said.

Questioned about the origin of the allegations Sibiya indicated that a SAPS manager testified at the commission about colleagues receiving BBL procedures.

SAPS senior official Brigadier Rachel Matjeng recently denied undergoing a BBL procedure, claiming she only asked her alleged boyfriend, Matlala, for the weight-loss drug called Ozempic.

Sibiya said: "In my case...because I work with her every day I had to give her (days) off because she could not sit even in the car or in the office because she couldn't work. She had to at all times be standing."

He told the commission that he even advised Senthumule to work from home.

Sibiya implicated Senthumule in alleged criminal conduct, stating she approved overtime claims for protection services supposedly provided to him, despite him never receiving such services.

“At no stage during May 2023 did Warrant Officer Monageng  or Warrant Officer Segodi or any other member of SAPS perform overtime duties for my protection,” he said.

Sibiya said he reported Senthumule’s alleged conduct to the police watchdog, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and the matter is still under investigation.

He testified that he has never received any gratification or bribery from Matlala.

Cape Times