Madlanga Commission Examines Matlala’s Meeting With KZN Police Commissioner
The Madlanga Commission is examining the circumstances surrounding a meeting between businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Matlala told the commission on Wednesday that the meeting took place at the Pearls Hotel in Umhlanga in April last year. He said it had been organised by his long-standing associate and former KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona.
Matlala said he approached Mkhwanazi for assistance in influencing his police tender. In exchange, he allegedly provided information concerning suspected cartel member Steve Motsumi. Mkhwanazi previously told Parliament that he recorded the encounter and that Matlala disclosed alleged payments involving a senior police general.
Madlanga Commission Probes Matlala’s Claims About Police Payments
Mkhwanazi told Parliament that Matlala gave him information about Motsumi and alleged activities involving suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner said Matlala also provided Motsumi’s address during the meeting. “He told me about Motsumi. He gave me Motsumi's address. He told me about activities of Sibiya. How Sibiya is collecting money. He told me about the impalas he bought Sibiya.”
When questioned about those claims on Wednesday, Matlala initially declined to respond. He was eventually compelled to answer after a prolonged legal dispute before the commission.
Madlanga Commission Questions Matlala Over Steve Motsumi
Matlala conceded that he had discussed alleged payments to Sibiya, although he was reluctant to identify who was allegedly responsible for making them. “The following question he had was whether do I know Mr Steve Motsumi,” Matlala said while stuttering.
The questioning then turned to whether Motsumi had allegedly made payments to Sibiya. Matlala would not confirm that Motsumi was the person who paid Sibiya. Instead, he identified an alleged intermediary.
Madlanga Commission Awaits Matlala’s Next Appearance
Matlala named Sergeant Fannie Nkosi when asked about the alleged intermediary. “It's Sergeant [Fannie] Nkosi.” His evidence leaves further questions about the claims surrounding the meeting and the information allegedly discussed.
The commission has yet to confirm when Matlala will return to give further evidence.
