A special commission has uncovered startling details about the financial relationship between Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The information, presented by a witness known only as Witness C, originated from Matlala himself following his arrest....Click to Read More >>➤

Witness C testified that Matlala previously provided security services for the farm owned by the late Pretoria taxi boss Jothan ‘Mswazi’ Msibi. It was at this location that Matlala first encountered Deputy Commissioner Sibiya, who was a frequent visitor. The farm also served as a meeting point for Msibi’s associates, a group referred to as the ‘Big 5’.

According to the witness, Matlala described the ‘Big 5’ as a powerful criminal network. “The Big 5 are the people who are in control of the activities that are happening in the government, the SAPS, actually, each and every government department that they have full control and oversight of. It’s a criminal world that wields more control over the government, as we understand it,” Witness C explained.

Financial Arrangements Between Sibiya and Matlala

Following Msibi’s death, the nature of the relationship between Sibiya and Matlala allegedly changed. Witness C stated that Sibiya approached the businessman with a direct proposition: “Now, since the old man has passed away, please take care of me and I will take care of you in return.”

This marked the beginning of a financial arrangement where Matlala started making cash payments to the senior police official, typically around R500,000. The witness emphasized that Sibiya specifically requested cash to ensure no electronic trail existed. This financial relationship was central to their dealings.

Witness C further claimed that Sibiya used his influence to assist Matlala in securing a massive R360 million police health services tender. The deputy commissioner also allegedly helped Matlala gain access to the police medical facility at Pretoria College. “Matlala said Sibiya is a criminal himself. At that time, he said his relationship with Sibiya was about money, and Sibiya was always on the receiving end,” the witness told the commission.

Methods of Payment and Lavish Gifts

The commission heard detailed descriptions of how the money changed hands. Matlala would allegedly deliver cash to Sibiya’s house or to a separate townhouse in a gated Sandton community, as directed by the police boss. After receiving payment from the SAPS tender, a portion—sometimes up to R1 million—would be set aside for Sibiya.

Another method involved a national organised crime police officer, Sergeant FE Nkosi. Matlala claimed he would transfer funds to Sibiya through Nkosi’s Absa account. The witness also noted that Sergeant Nkosi was the one who tipped off Matlala about the police operation leading to his arrest on 6 December 2024.

The financial benefits extended beyond tender kickbacks. When Sibiya’s son got married, Matlala allegedly contributed R300,000 towards the celebration. The businessman told police that Sibiya’s instruction for accessing the medical facility was to leave money for him in a dustbin. Summarizing Sibiya’s character, Matlala reportedly told officers, “Sibiya loves money a lot.”

A Plan for a Bed-and-Breakfast

The commission learned that the financial dealings continued into early 2025. Matlala indicated that Sibiya informed him of plans to purchase a plot in Midrand, registered in his wife’s name, to start a bed-and-breakfast. For this venture, Matlala allegedly provided R2 million to the deputy police commissioner. The payment was reportedly made by dropping off the cash at the Sandton townhouse, further cementing their extensive financial relationship. The Madlanga commission continues to investigate these serious allegations.