Madlanga Commission Probes Ramaphosa’s Meeting With Late Taxi Boss King Mswazi

The Madlanga Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi, following revelations involving alleged illicit surveillance equipment.

The inquiry is examining former presidential political adviser Bejani Chauke’s WhatsApp exchanges with Msibi concerning a device known as a “grabber”. The equipment can reportedly intercept telephone calls, track locations and clone mobile phones.

Investigators are also seeking clarity on why Chauke arranged a meeting between Ramaphosa and Msibi in June 2022, and whether the president was aware of their communications beforehand.

According to the allegations, the surveillance equipment was intended to be imported from the Czech Republic under the cover of the South African Police Service (SAPS), before being resold in Eswatini.

Chauke maintains that his relationship with Msibi revolved around Santaco and taxi-industry matters. He has submitted a sworn affidavit but has not been summoned to testify. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson has declined to comment.

The investigation comes amid other controversies surrounding Chauke, including allegations linked to the Phala Phala farm theft, which he dismissed as “fiction”, and a 2020 Namibia trip criticised as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

Despite the growing scrutiny, Chauke reportedly remains influential within the ANC.

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