A storm has hit the South African Police Service following damning claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who recently blew the whistle on alleged infiltration of the police by organised crime networks. His revelations have sparked a rapid disciplinary crackdown, targeting those within the Crime Intelligence division linked to controversial businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala.
National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola has responded quietly but decisively. He has appointed Western Cape Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Thembisile Patekile to lead a high-level internal investigation. Sources confirm the inquiry is rooted in data extracted from Matlala’s confiscated cellphones, which reportedly contain damning conversations with key officers.
The SAPS Academy in Tshwane, Pretoria, was abuzz last week as this operation unfolded. Mkhwanazi himself was reportedly present at the facility on Wednesday, possibly to oversee proceedings or provide further insight into the allegations.
Although the SAPS has remained tight-lipped, with national spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe refusing to discuss ongoing internal matters, sources within the service reveal that top officials — including deputy national commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, currently on leave — are under scrutiny. While Sibiya could not be reached for comment, insiders suggest he is among those drawn into the disciplinary net.
One source familiar with the internal hearings described the process: “They bring each officer into a room, and a screen shows messages exchanged with Matlala. Everyone involved has to account for those conversations, including their direct supervisors.”
According to another senior insider, the decision to appoint Patekile follows SAPS disciplinary protocols, which empower provincial commissioners to handle misconduct cases under delegated authority from the national commissioner. This system is designed to decentralize disciplinary action while retaining strategic oversight from headquarters.
Further developments have raised the stakes. Additional mobile devices were seized during a raid at the residence of Matlala and his wife, Tsakani — also an accused. Digital forensics uncovered further evidence linking more officers to the alleged criminal infiltration.
Back on July 6, Mkhwanazi made headlines by alleging that Matlala was part of a well-connected criminal syndicate that may involve senior political figures, including current Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and former Minister Bheki Cele.
The scandal surrounding Matlala has only deepened. Earlier this month, he was caught with a mobile phone while in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria, where he’s awaiting trial for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.
That case stems from a shocking shooting incident on the N1 near Sandton in October 2023, where Thobejane was shot at and wounded in the foot, while another passenger suffered a critical spinal injury.
Matlala, known for his flashy lifestyle and history of securing lucrative government deals, is now facing a slew of serious charges — including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, money laundering, and fraud.
He remains behind bars at the high-security C-Max facility, while his wife was released on R20,000 bail. Their co-accused, Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela — the alleged gunmen — are also in custody.
As the investigation intensifies, the implications for SAPS and the broader justice system are monumental. With more names likely to surface, this could be one of the most significant internal purges in the history of South Africa’s police force.
