Sibiya ‘instructed’ Matlala to open false case against PKTT, Khumalo tells commission
Head of Crime Intelligence Dumisani Khumalo has told the Madlanga Commission that suspended Deputy National Commissioner of the SAPS, Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly directed businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to file a false theft complaint against the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
He believes the complaint was part of an effort to undermine the unit’s integrity and halt investigations into cartel infiltration.
Khumalo testified that he learned about the scheme during a meeting with former Police Minister Cele in December 2024.
“He had been approached by Mr Matlala, informing him that Lt-Gen Sibiya advised him to open a false case against myself and my members, that we had stolen the watches and a MacBook,” Khumalo said.
The complaint, filed on 17 December 2024, demanded the return of five firearms, two iPhones, a MacBook, and luxury watches.
Khumalo clarified that only the firearms and phones had been lawfully seized.
“The other items, the MacBook, Rolex, and another watch, were not part of the confiscated items,” he said.
Matlala even admitted to still wearing the Rolex he claimed was stolen.
Khumalo explained that the case was designed to create a legal distraction and damage the PKTT’s credibility.
Evidence also showed that Sibiya allegedly used a subordinate to collect bribe money from cartel bosses, including Matlala.
CCTV footage showed a Sergeant F. Nkosi entering Matlala’s Sandhurst mansion and leaving with a white bag on 27 November 2024.
The commission heard that after questioning Matlala on 6 December, the PKTT visited his offices on 18 and 19 December to conduct a compliance inspection of his firearms.
Eighteen firearms were seized for ballistic testing and returned on 27 December. Khumalo said the investigation into ballistic links remains ongoing.
He said the legal challenges and false allegations were just part of a “very busy” December for both sides.
The PKTT continued its work despite the obstacles, including attempts by Matlala to file cases at the High Court, which were ultimately dismissed or withdrawn.
The events culminated in Matlala’s arrest on 14 May 2025, when the team seized cell phones containing WhatsApp chats that provide further evidence of the alleged collusion and interference.
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