The Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, continued to hear testimony from individuals implicated in the investigation this week.
Earlier in the week, Witness F testified about his connections with suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
On Thursday, Rachel Matjeng, head of the Police Service’s Quality Management section, revealed that she had an on-and-off romantic relationship with Matlala, which began in 2017.
Commenting on the week’s proceedings, retired Interpol ambassador and security strategist Andy Mashaile described the hearings as highly contentious.
“Very explosive. On Thursday, a brigadier tried her level best, a witness attempted to paint Cat Matlala as a wonderful man, while another brigadier appeared to cover up incompetence within her own section. Earlier in the week, Witness F presented testimony, followed by a lawyer attempting to lecture the commissioners. There was even a reference to the late Deputy President David Mabuza. It’s been a turbulent week for the commission,” he said.
Meanwhile, businessman Suliman Carrim, another figure implicated in the investigation, was scheduled to appear before the commission on Friday.
However, his legal team has requested a postponement to allow more time to prepare. The commission confirmed that it had received the application. Carrim previously challenged his appearance before the commission, but that attempt was dismissed.
Several witnesses have alleged that Carrim received kickbacks from Matlala in exchange for using his political influence to secure a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender for a company linked to Matlala.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
