Fresh revelations at the Madlanga Commission have intensified the spotlight on South Africa’s policing and political establishment, following testimony from a key witness who claimed that senior officials orchestrated the controversial Rolex theft case.
Testifying before the commission on Monday, Witness C alleged that Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu instructed businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to open a criminal case against certain police officers, accusing them of stealing an expensive Rolex wristwatch. The explosive claim suggests that the case may have been part of a broader effort to manipulate legal processes and settle internal power struggles within law enforcement.
According to the witness, the move was not spontaneous but allegedly pre-planned at the behest of Sibiya and Mchunu. “Matlala was told by Lt Gen Sibiya and Minister Mchunu to open the case,” the witness stated under oath, adding that the goal was to “discredit and target specific officers who were seen as obstacles.
The Rolex theft saga has long been a point of contention within the South African Police Service (SAPS), sparking debate about corruption, factionalism, and the influence of politics in policing. The case, which initially appeared to concern stolen luxury property, may now be tied to a far more intricate web of manipulation and deceit.
Lt Gen Sibiya, who has faced previous accusations of misconduct and abuse of power, has not yet responded publicly to the testimony. Former Minister Senzo Mchunu has also not issued a statement. Both could be summoned to testify or provide written responses as the inquiry continues to probe the extent of political interference in police matters.
Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga urged restraint from the public and media, stating that all claims would be tested against corroborating evidence before conclusions are drawn. Nonetheless, the testimony has triggered renewed public outrage over the state of accountability within the police and political leadership.
As investigations continue, the commission is expected to subpoena additional witnesses and financial records to determine whether the Rolex case was indeed a fabricated plot directed from above.
For now, the revelations point to a disturbing possibility — that what began as a single theft allegation may expose a network of collusion, corruption, and political manipulation at the highest levels of South Africa’s security apparatus.