Cash, cops and hitmen: Inside a gripping week at Madlanga

Retired Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya testified at the Madlanga Commission this week.

This week the Madlanga Commission heard of a disturbing web of alleged police influence, lucrative contracts, taxi-industry violence and shadowy relationships, as businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, retired Hawks boss Dr Godfrey Lebeya and taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni testified on the politics of power and protection in South Africa.

Across their appearances, one theme kept resurfacing: the blurred line between legitimate business, policing and alleged criminal networks.

Matlala faced the toughest questions over his relationships with senior police figures and businessman Hangwani Maumela.

He admitted that he and Maumela shared profits from successful contracts, despite having no written agreement governing their arrangement.

Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga heard explosive testimony from three witnesses this week, from the alleged criminal world, the police and the taxi industry.

But when questioning moved towards allegations of benefits being provided to police officials, Matlala became increasingly cautious, repeatedly invoking his right against self-incrimination.

One of the most pressing issues was the allegation that Matlala delivered 20 impalas to the farm of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.

Matlala declined to answer questions about the allegation, saying he did not want to incriminate himself.

He also admitted receiving R20,000 from former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona, describing it as a loan after police raids on his home had left him unable to access his money.

Matlala denied knowing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu or ever meeting him.

He also revealed that former police minister Bheki Cele had arranged a meeting between him and KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala at the Madlanga Commission.

The retired Hawks boss rejected suggestions that he knew alleged underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe or had interfered with a police operation targeting him at his Sandton home in December 2024.