The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has questioned Deputy National Police Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya about his relationship with alleged tender kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, based on WhatsApp messages and event invitations. Sibiya denied close ties and financial benefits during the hearing on February 23, 2026. He accused Commissioner Sesi Baloyi of coercion in her questioning.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system heard evidence on February 23, 2026, regarding General Shadrack Sibiya's connections to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who is in jail awaiting trial for attempted murder. Matlala held tenders worth more than R300-million from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and sought further influence.
WhatsApp messages between Sibiya and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, his intermediary, showed Sibiya instructing Nkosi to tell 'Cat' to 'make a turn' on September 14, 2024, the day of Sibiya's son's engagement party. Sibiya claimed this meant Matlala should fetch his tipsy wife, Tsakane Matlala, but evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim noted the arrangement was made early that morning, before any drinking could occur. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga stated, 'To an ordinary reader, that sounds like you were inviting Mr Matlala.' Sibiya replied, 'I said, “Ask Cat to make a turn,” and as far as I am concerned, there was nothing wrong.'
The party was attended by Sibiya, Generals Sandra Malebe-Thema and Hilda Senthumule, and Tsakane Matlala. Earlier testimony on February 18 alleged Matlala gifted Senthumule a 'Brazilian butt lift' surgery by 'Dr Pert,' which she denied.
Commissioners also examined Sibiya's farm, stocked with game after his 2015 dismissal from SAPS (later reinstated). Allegations claimed Matlala provided impala in exchange for favors, including resolving tender issues and aiding an arrest. WhatsApp messages included a location pin to the farm sent to a game supplier. Sibiya denied receiving animals from Matlala, claiming a Zimbabwean gardener helped acquire four impala in March 2024, and insisted only one blesbok remained. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned inconsistencies, asking, 'Can you make it make sense?' Sibiya maintained no close relationship.
Sibiya denied receiving R300,000 from Matlala at the engagement, stating, 'We didn’t need money from Matlala, we didn’t ask for it,' and that his family covered costs. He lashed out at Baloyi, saying, 'Don’t overwhelm me... you’re speaking from a position of power, does not necessarily mean that now it compels me to concede.' His cross-examination continues on February 24.
These revelations stem from KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's July 2025 allegations of criminal infiltration in SAPS.
