Explosive revelations rocked the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday after evidence emerged suggesting that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have three different identity numbers registered under his name. The claims were linked to a controversial file allegedly compiled and sent by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major-General Lesetja Senona.
The file, titled “Memo Biz Traces to April 2020,” was introduced as part of testimony by a protected witness identified only as Witness X. According to the witness, Matlala forwarded the document—which purportedly contained highly sensitive identity and financial details—to Senona through a private WhatsApp exchange. The file allegedly detailed discrepancies found in official Home Affairs databases, raising alarms about possible identity manipulation or administrative tampering involving the president.
During the hearing, WhatsApp records were presented showing extensive communication between Matlala and Senona over a period of several months. The messages reportedly contained discussions about state tenders, SAPS contract cancellations, and legal strategies. Witness X testified that Senona had on multiple occasions offered Matlala legal advice and guidance regarding disputes with the South African Police Service (SAPS), despite the impropriety of such interactions between a law enforcement official and a private contractor.
Matlala’s company, Medicare24, which had previously been awarded several government health service contracts, allegedly lost those tenders after auditors flagged irregularities. The witness further claimed that following these losses, Matlala sought protection and assistance from Senona, who encouraged him to take legal action against SAPS.
The commission’s investigators later confirmed that a confidential file was indeed transmitted from Matlala’s phone to Senona in April 2025. Digital forensic experts verified the authenticity of the communication logs submitted to the inquiry.
The Madlanga Commission, established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025, is tasked with probing corruption and misconduct within KwaZulu-Natal’s law enforcement agencies. Ironically, the inquiry now finds itself examining evidence that indirectly places the president at the center of a potential documentation scandal.
Sources within the commission revealed that several more witnesses are expected to testify before the week’s end, including senior Home Affairs officials and Hawks members. Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for transparency and an independent verification of the alleged identity number discrepancies.
Neither the Presidency nor the Hawks have issued an official response to the shocking claims. However, political observers warn that if authenticated, the allegations could have far-reaching implications for the credibility of both President Ramaphosa and the integrity of South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.