Madlanga Commission | Senona, Rafadi and Mkhwanazi all sought payouts from underworld tycoon ‘Cat’ Matlala
The Madlanga Commission has peeled back layers of political interference, corruption, and criminal collusion within South Africa’s criminal justice system over ten dramatic days of testimony.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Implicating evidence at the Madlanga Commission laid bare how three powerful figures - Major General Lesetja Senona, crime expert Calvin Rafadi, and Ekurhuleni Metro Police head Julius Mkhwanazi sought financial benefit from Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, the underworld tycoon.
The session cut deep into the tangled web of corruption, coercion, and collusion that the inquiry aims to unravel.
The evidence came via WhatsApp messages and witness testimony indicating that Senona, Rafadi, and Mkhwanazi all demanded or expected payments from Matlala in exchange for delivering influence, privileged access, or institutional favours.
The evidence positions Matlala not merely as a criminal actor, but as a patron pulling strings deep inside law enforcement.
This was revealed by Witness X, who gave testimony remotely to protect their identity.
However, during the course of the day, the witness was stopped due to technical issues, which could have compromised their safety.
Senona's side deals: Leaks, property deals, and SAPS contracts
Hawks head in KZN, Senona was shown in chats exchanging messages with Matlala and Senona's son Thato about property deals and document sharing.
In one message, Senona asks Matlala, "Good afternoon brother. Did you meet with Thato?" to which Matlala replies that he's awaiting an offer.
Testimony also suggested Senona leaked confidential SAPS documents to Matlala and used his influence to preserve Matlala's contracts — notably with Medicare24.
He allegedly intervened to stall the cancellation of the SAPS-Medicare24 deal and was described as facilitating invoice payments tied to Matlala's firm.
Rafadi's requests: Academic funding in return for access
For Rafadi, the commission was presented with WhatsApp chats in which he repeatedly asked Matlala for funding for his PhD, petrol, and other financial help.
In return, Rafadi is accused of leveraging his access into law enforcement networks to supply Matlala with intelligence and favorable media narratives.
Rafadi, in his own defence, insisted that his work as a crime expert involves legitimate partnerships with law enforcement and that he is prepared to testify fully to explain how information was shared with official channels.
Mkhwanazi's moves: Vehicle registration and municipal favours
The third implicated figure, Mkhwanazi, was shown in chats with Matlala discussing municipal registration of private vehicles and granting municipal-style privileges, including blue-light fitting to Malala's vehicles.
One message asked Mkhwanazi to "help with the matter of [Matlala's] driver, who has been arrested for speeding."
The driver was caught for driving 90 kph in a 60 kph zone.
This is a claim that Mkhwanazi and the municipality declined as false and baseless.
However, he said he was fully prepared to testify before the commission, asserting his intention to clear his name.
Witness X informed the commission that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had already investigated Mkhwanazi for his role in these illicit registrations and fittings, giving the evidence further weight.
The commission will continue on Thursday.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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