Witness F has told the Madlanga Commission that he was never interested in selling firearms, including close-quarter combat shotguns that surfaced in WhatsApp messages allegedly linked to businessman Vusimusi Matlala.
Giving evidence under questioning, Witness F said he lacked both the qualifications and legal licence required to trade in firearms and therefore could not have participated in any sales. He described his responses to the messages as casual and driven by curiosity rather than criminal intent, telling the commission he merely “entertained” the contact saved on his phone under the name of the late David Mabuza.
He said he initially engaged because he found the firearms visually appealing. “I thought the guns were beautiful,” he testified, explaining that this prompted conversation. “But I was never interested in selling the guns to any buyer. I don’t have the qualifications or licence to trade firearms, and I never attempted to do so.”
The commission was shown WhatsApp messages referring to bulk firearm offers, including 750 close-quarter combat shotguns and tactical ammunition. The messages allegedly referenced discounted “family pricing,” raising concern among investigators due to the scale and apparent specificity of the proposed transaction.
Witness F maintained that he did not pursue the discussions beyond polite responses and never treated them as legitimate business proposals. He denied taking any steps to source buyers, facilitate deliveries, or negotiate terms, insisting there was no operational planning involved.
Pressed on why he failed to report or immediately shut down the conversation, he said he viewed the exchanges as informal and unserious at the time.
His testimony forms part of the commission’s broader probe into whether politically connected individuals or private actors sought to bypass formal controls in acquiring or distributing firearms. As proceedings continue, his account adds nuance to the inquiry, focusing on intent and responsibility rather than mere contact or communication.
