The Madlanga Commission heard testimony on Oct. 29, 2025, that attempted murder accused Vusimuzi Cat Matlala used political connections to unmask two police investigators through state surveillance. A detective identified as Witness C said Matlala claimed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu enlisted State Security resources and signal grabber devices to trace vehicles used by members of the Political Killings Task Team after a December 2024 raid. The account is backed by a four-hour audio recording made with Matlala’s consent after his May 14 arrest. The witness also tied Mchunu associate Brown Mogotsi to the transfer of vehicle details that revealed the officers’ identities.
Testimony linked the claims to wider interference. Matlala said an SAPS contract worth R360 million was canceled after he refused to open a fabricated case against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and Witness C. He further described cash flows to senior officials and political events. The commission is weighing the allegations as South Africa battles high crime levels with more than 27,000 murders a year, adding pressure on police leadership and oversight.
Testimony linked the claims to wider interference. Matlala said an SAPS contract worth R360 million was canceled after he refused to open a fabricated case against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and Witness C. He further described cash flows to senior officials and political events. The commission is weighing the allegations as South Africa battles high crime levels with more than 27,000 murders a year, adding pressure on police leadership and oversight.
