Witness C: Matlala gave Sibiya millions in cash and 20 impalas | Madlanga Commission

Criminal kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told Witness C that suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya “loves money” and that he had showered him with gifts including 20 impalas and millions in cash, the Madlanga Commission heard on Thursday.

Witness C told the commission that businessman Matlala confided in him about a string of cash payments and unusual gifts allegedly made to Sibiya in exchange for influence and favours within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to Witness C, Matlala said Sibiya once asked him to leave money in a dustbin to help resolve his difficulties in accessing a police clinic.

The amount was not specified.

In January 2025, Matlala allegedly delivered R2 million in cash to Sibiya to buy a plot (not specified where) intended for a bed-and-breakfast business.

The money was delivered at Sibiya’s gated community in Sandton.

In another money incident, Sibiya allegedly instructed Matlala to place the R200,000 in a dustbin for collection. This was in his office in Pretoria. 

During the statement proceedings, Witness C indicated that they were in the process of analysing Matlala’s bank statements, noting that “Matlala has multiple bank accounts.”

Witness C further stated that he could not confirm whether CCTV footage showing Sibiya collecting the money had been obtained.

He added that, if the area is covered by surveillance cameras, such evidence should be available.

Despite the cash, Matlala told Witness C that he also handed over 20 impalas for Sibiya’s property.

The animals later died, prompting Witness C to joke that perhaps “the impalas didn’t like Sibiya.”

Witness C further testified that Matlala claimed he gave R300,000 to Sibiya to contribute toward the wedding celebration of Sibiya’s son.

In addition to receiving money on an Absa bank account, the commission also heard that Matlala mentioned transferring funds to an FNB business account linked to Sergeant F. Nkosi, who serves in the national organised crime unit under Sibiya.

Witness C said these payments were linked to alleged attempts to pay bribes for suspects in the Armand Swart murder case to obtain bail.

Adding to the web of allegations, Witness C said Matlala revealed that both Sibiya and KZN Hawks head Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona had received multimillion-rand kickbacks from a R1.2 billion SAPS health services contract. 

Matlala allegedly kept a R360 million portion of the deal after Sibiya and Senona helped him secure it.

Witness C has also submitted WhatsApp messages said to show direct communication among Matlala, Senona and others over contract payments and property dealings.

Meanwhile, the Witness said Matlala expressed frustration against Sibiya.

Following the raid on December 6, Matlala was assured that any SAPS action or ongoing investigations targeting him would be neutralised .

However, Matlala later stated that despite these assurances, police investigations against him continued.

He explained that, for his own safety, he chose to maintain the appearance of cooperation with Sibiya - fearing that if it became known he was no longer aligned with him, it could cost him his life.

The witness has concluded his testimony. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za