Explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has revealed that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala allegedly sent a document containing multiple identification numbers belonging to President Cyril Ramaphosa to the KwaZulu-Natal head of the Hawks, Major General Lesetja Senona....Click to Read More >>➤

Commission Probes Data Leak Allegations

According to evidence presented before the commission, the sensitive document — reportedly sent via an encrypted communication channel — contained several variations of ID numbers linked to the President. Investigators suspect the data may have originated from confidential government databases or classified state records, sparking concerns of a possible data breach within government systems.

The Madlanga Commission, led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating alleged information leaks involving politically connected business figures and senior law enforcement officials. These leaks allegedly included classified material on high-profile leaders, including President Ramaphosa, which may have been used to influence investigations or political decisions.

Forensic Experts Flag “Highly Irregular” Document

Forensic experts testifying before the commission described the document sent by Matlala as “highly irregular,” noting that it contained at least three ID numbers that appeared to be digitally generated or altered. The anomalies, experts said, suggest possible tampering or unauthorized duplication of state records.

“This is a serious breach,” one investigator told the commission. “The inclusion of multiple ID numbers for a single sitting head of state is not only unlawful but points to potential data manipulation or identity misuse at a very high level.”

Calls for Criminal Investigation

Opposition lawmakers and anti-corruption groups have demanded a full-scale criminal investigation into how Matlala obtained the President’s personal information and whether any state insiders facilitated the leaks. The Presidency has declined to comment in detail, citing the ongoing inquiry, but reiterated its support for the commission’s work.

“The Presidency has full confidence in the Madlanga Commission and supports all efforts to uncover unlawful breaches of classified data,” a spokesperson said.

Matlala Yet to Testify

Matlala, previously linked to multiple corruption and influence-peddling scandals, has not yet appeared before the commission. He is expected to testify in the coming weeks to address the allegations and clarify how he obtained the sensitive document sent to the Hawks’ KZN chief.

The inquiry continues to expose what investigators describe as a sophisticated network of political and intelligence manipulation that has eroded public trust in South Africa’s top law enforcement institutions.

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