Cat Matlala testimony takes a turn as Ramaphosa’s name surfaces

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s name surfaced during Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission as he faced questions about confidential information that passed through his hands.

Matlala returned to the witness stand on Wednesday, 26 August, where the commission examined his relationship with former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona and information allegedly shared with him by private investigator Calvin Rafadi.

Among the material was a document containing personal information purportedly linked to Ramaphosa.

MATLALA QUESTIONED OVER RAMAPHOSA DOCUMENT

The document was not new to the commission.

A protected witness previously testified in October 2025 that Matlala had sent Senona a confidential document containing multiple identity numbers purportedly linked to Ramaphosa.

The commission previously heard that the information emerged from an analysis of Matlala’s cellphone after police seized it following his arrest in May 2025.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Matlala was questioned about documents he received from Rafadi and forwarded to Senona.

Matlala distanced himself from the contents, saying he had simply forwarded information sent to him.

“I was just forwarding these things. I don’t know anything about them,” he told the commission.

His evidence did not implicate Ramaphosa in wrongdoing.

RELATIONSHIP WITH SENONA UNDER SCRUTINY

The commission also questioned Matlala about his relationship with Senona.

Matlala said they first met at Senona’s wedding in 2019 and became closer after meeting again at a funeral connected to late taxi boss Jotham Msibi in 2021.

He described Senona as an “older brother”.

Matlala also testified that Senona lent him R20 000 after police raided his Pretoria property in December 2024 and seized his phones.

“I even borrowed money from him. Yes, yes. I remember that day he gave me R20,000,” Matlala said.

He said he approached Senona after the raid and asked him to look into what had happened.

MATLALA MAKES CLAIM ABOUT SIBIYA

Matlala’s evidence later turned to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.

He told the commission that he met KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in April 2025 after former police minister Bheki Cele helped arrange the meeting.

According to Matlala, allegations that Sibiya was collecting money from people in Gauteng formed part of their discussion.

Matlala denied personally paying Sibiya but claimed Sergeant Fannie Nkosi acted as a “middleman” through whom money was allegedly collected.

He refused to identify the people who allegedly made payments, repeatedly invoking his right against self-incrimination.

Matlala is facing separate criminal proceedings and told the commission that disclosing certain information could prejudice his defence.

The commission continues its investigation into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.