Crime expert Calvin Rafadi’s ‘requests’ for favours from attempted murder-accused and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala ranged from petrol, diesel, money for car repairs, money for rent, an e-hailing ride, and payment towards the academic’s PhD studies.
This is according to WhatsApp messages presented by Witness X before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of collusion and corruption between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary.
The accusations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Witness X on Tuesday continued from where the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, had left off before he fell ill at the Madlanga Commission.
Witness X, whose identity is being protected by the Commission, testified from a remote location, with evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC, leading the witness’s testimony, while Advocate Thabang Pooe led the intermediary evidence. However, due to a security breach that raised safety concerns, Hassim had to read Witness X’s affidavit into the record.
The conversations shared between Rafadi and Matlala begin on 12 December 2024 and end on 13 May 2025.
In September 2025, Khumalo delivered evidence to the commission and set out that he would deliver chats between individuals — Brown Mogotsi, Major-General Lesetja Senona (KZN head of Hawks), Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi (Ekurhuleni Metro Boss), Rafadi, and Suleiman Carrim (businessman and ANC member), whom he alleged all have a beneficial relationship with Matlata.
According to the testimony by Witness X, Rafadi has a beneficial relationship with Matlala.
“The analysis demonstrates that the requests for money and other favors are tied to Mr Rafadi performing a media and propaganda function for Mr Matlala. While the payments are not always linked to a request, in some instances, a payment for a favour is made, thereafter documentation is exchanged, and Mr Rafadi proceeds to make public statements against the PKTT (Political Killings Task Team),” Witness X stated.
“The chat is characterised by requests for money or favours by Mr Rafadi. Mr Rafadi makes repeated requests for assistance with petrol and other help. As we will see as we go through the chats, Mr Rafadi returns the favours by contributing to a media narrative that suits Mr Matlala regarding the PKTT,” Witness X said.
On 18 December 2024, Rafadi requests petrol from Matlala, and on 22 December 2024, Rafadi requests rent money.
Between 9 and 10 January 2025, Rafadi requests financial assistance for registering for a PhD. In response, Matlala makes a payment to Rafadi’s company, Bizztracers, for R20,000.
Rafadi then made further requests for payment of tuition fees; however, Matlala indicated that it was not a good time as the company was not stable.
On 15 January 2025, Rafadi requests petrol. Then, on 31 January 2025, Rafadi requests to use a spare car.
“Any spare car I can use? Please,” to which Matlala replied: “I had one, but the bank took it, I’m expecting a car next month.”
On 2 March 2025, Rafadi requests petrol. On 7 March 2025, Rafadi requests diesel from Matlala. “Please share diesel when you get.” This was followed by a call.
On 17 March 2025, Rafadi requested petrol. On 23 March 2025, Rafadi requested money, and in response, Matlala indicated he sent R3,000, then Rafadi responded with a payment received picture and a shaking hands picture.
On 9 April 2025, Rafadi requests money, and Matlala responds with a screenshot of a banking app showing a negative balance.
On 12 April 2025, Rafadi sends a reminder to Matlala, who indicates he will send it soon.
On 15 April 2025, Rafadi sends a request for a vehicle: “Salaam, don’t you have any small car I can use meantime?”
On 16 April 2025, Rafadi requests a taxi/Uber. In response, Matlala sends a screenshot of the Uber details page with the vehicle and driver’s details.
On 17 April 2025, Rafadi requested a “small resource to travel”, in particular taxi/Uber to travel to a studio. In response, Matlala requested the address. This is followed by a call from Rafadi to Matlala.
On 4 May 2025, Rafadi requests petrol.
On 5 May 2025, Rafadi sends a reminder for money, and in response, Matlala indicated that he is “down now” but will the following day or Wednesday.
On 17 May 2025, Rafadi requests money for car repairs. After Matlala made a payment, Rafadi responded with a series of celebratory gifs.
Witness X said that: “In addition to payment requests and payments shared on WhatsApp, Mr Matlala’s phone analysis had three additional payments made by Mr Matlala to Mr Rafadi on the following occasions, 2 March 25 and two payments on 17 April 25.”
Rafadi has been quoted in the media, stating that he is prepared to testify before the Commission.
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