The Madlanga Commission heard tense testimony on Wednesday as KZN Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona revealed the name of a second individual mentioned in a controversial WhatsApp message from KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Senona testified he initially withheld the name Steve Motsumi, a Bedfordview-based security company owner—out of fear for his life. The message detailed an alleged meeting between Mkhwanazi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, in which Mkhwanazi reportedly asked Matlala for intelligence on suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya in exchange for pausing investigations into Matlala.
Reading the message in full, Senona quoted Mkhwanazi stating: “I hope he (Matlala) doesn’t mind me exposing him to Sibiya and Steve Motsumi… I hope he won’t blame me for risking his life because I have to tell the truth about our meeting.”
The disclosure highlighted a climate of fear within law enforcement and raised questions about the trading of influence and information at high levels. The commission continues to examine allegations of systemic corruption and intimidation in the criminal justice system.
