Cat Matlala Says He Handed R50,000 to Shadrack Sibiya at SAPS Awards in KZN

Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that he once gave R50,000 in cash to Shadrack Sibiya at the SAPS Excellence Awards in KwaZulu-Natal.

Matlala made the claim while testifying before the commission on Monday. He said the money was handed over during the awards ceremony. The commission is looking into allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system, especially inside the police.

Sibiya was the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection at the time. He has since left the South African Police Service. Matlala is a key witness in the inquiry. He has been linked to large police tenders and is facing his own criminal charges.

According to Matlala, the R50,000 was passed to Sibiya while they were at the event in KwaZulu-Natal. He did not say in the brief clip what the money was for. The commission has already heard other claims about gifts and payments involving Matlala and senior officers.

The Madlanga Commission started in 2025 after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi raised serious concerns about high-level corruption. Retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga is chairing the hearings. Many senior officials and businessmen have already appeared. Some have denied the claims. Others have refused to answer certain questions.

Matlala’s latest testimony adds a specific moment to the wider picture. He previously said he was aware of money reaching Sibiya but tried to distance himself from some of the payments. Now he is speaking about handing over cash himself at a public police event.

Sibiya has denied having a close relationship with Matlala. He has said any dealings were professional. He also faces separate criminal charges that are not related to the commission. The commission has not yet made findings on these claims.

The hearings continue this week. Matlala is expected to face more questions. The commission must finish its work and report to the president early next year. Many South Africans are watching closely because the inquiry has already exposed tensions inside the police service.

Matlala’s words at the awards event now form part of the public record. Whether the R50,000 payment is confirmed or challenged will depend on further evidence and cross-examination. For now, it is one more detail in a long-running investigation into how money and influence moved through the SAPS.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2119825004787372447?a=Ys1JM0JeauGAEHY6d9w&s=19

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