Commission hears claims that Sibiya received antelopes and cash from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption within the criminal justice system has heard that suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya allegedly received large sums of money, livestock and other benefits from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Testifying on Thursday, Witness C, a member of the Political Killings Task Team, said Matlala made these claims during an informal interview following his arrest in May.
According to Witness C, Matlala claimed he gave Sibiya 20 antelopes for his property, which later died. He also said Matlala told him of several other instances where he funded or gave money to Sibiya. Matlala said he gave Sibiya R300,000 in support of his son’s wedding, which he was invited to attend.
In another instance, Matlala said that when he went to Sibiya’s office to discuss using the police academy hospital in Pretoria West, Sibiya instructed him to place the money in a dustbin in the office toilets.
Witness C further testified that in January 2025, Matlala told investigators Sibiya was buying a plot in Midrand that would be registered under his wife’s name and converted into a bed and breakfast. Matlala claimed he gave Sibiya R2 million towards the purchase, which he handed to him personally at a house in Sandton as instructed.
He added that Matlala described Sibiya as a man who “loved money” and expected financial favours. He also noted that Matlala had several bank accounts showing extensive financial activity.
The witness said Matlala mentioned other senior police figures as associates, including suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Feroz Khan and Gauteng Crime Investigation Services head Major-General Richard Shibiri.
Matlala allegedly claimed Khan demanded R2.5 million during disciplinary proceedings but said he only gave him R500,000. He also said he gave Shibiri R80,000 through a company called Black AK Trading to celebrate his promotion in May 2025. When the electronic transfer was reversed, the amount was allegedly handed to Shibiri in cash.
Audio clips of the recorded conversation, recorded with Matlala’s consent, were played before the commission.
The witness also spoke about the personal toll the case has taken on his life, saying he now lives under 24-hour protection and cannot perform his duties as before.
“I cannot move freely in public without protection. It is difficult to meet informants or make new connections. I cannot go to court or live a normal life,” he said, adding that his family life has also suffered as a result.
“I rarely see my family because doing so endangers them. This has alienated me from my wife and children,” he said.
Witness C said corruption within the police makes it difficult for honest officers to do their work. “It is impossible to fight organised and well-resourced criminals when your own superiors are implicated in wrongdoing,” he said.