Madlanga Commission
Pretoria – Shocking WhatsApp messages between KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona and alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala have come to light at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, revealing close ties amid the cancellation of a R360-million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24. In the exchanges, presented by the evidence leader during recent hearings, Matlala expressed his anger over the tender’s termination and his plan to challenge it in court, to which Senona responded encouragingly: “Take them on brother.” This evidence, uncovered from Matlala’s seized cellphones, forms part of broader allegations of SAPS infiltration by the notorious “Big Five” drug cartel, highlighting potential corruption, leaks of confidential documents, and undue influence in high-level police operations. As the commission probes criminal syndicates within the justice system, these revelations raise serious questions about accountability at the top, especially with Matlala linked to tender fraud, drug trafficking, and even attempted murder charges.
The Madlanga Commission, established in July 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa following explosive claims by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has already exposed deep divisions and alleged criminal networks in SAPS. Testimony from Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo in late September 2025 detailed how the cartel, including Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe, has allegedly penetrated law enforcement for personal gain. With South Africa’s corruption perception index stagnant at 41 out of 100 in 2024, such cases underscore the ongoing battle against graft, which costs the economy an estimated R27 billion annually. The tender cancellation, ordered by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in May 2025, followed suspicions of irregularities, but the chats suggest efforts to thwart it through insider help.
Leaked Chats Reveal Anger and Encouragement Over Tender Loss
The communications between Senona and Matlala, as shown in commission screenshots, capture Matlala’s frustration after the tender’s review and eventual cancellation. Awarded in June 2024 to Medicare24 Tshwane District – a company owned by Matlala – the R360-million contract was for health services at SAPS facilities, including a college hospital. However, concerns over procurement flaws prompted Mchunu to instruct National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to terminate it, leading to its scrapping on May 13, 2025.
In one key exchange, Matlala informed Senona of his intent to fight the decision legally, stating he would “go to court” to challenge the cancellation. Senona’s reply – “Take them on brother” – appears supportive, raising alarms about a senior Hawks official encouraging a suspect in ongoing probes. This forms part of a broader pattern where Senona allegedly leaked confidential SAPS documents to Matlala, with their association tied to a commercial venture involving Senona’s son, Thato Senona.
Khumalo, in his September 29, 2025, testimony, unpacked five screenshots from Matlala’s phones, describing how the cartel used these links for tender fraud and to frustrate investigations. One chat showed coordination of payments to Matlala’s company, while another detailed unsuccessful attempts to prevent the tender’s cancellation. Khumalo stated: “What the chats demonstrate at the very least is that organised crime has managed to infiltrate the SAPS and EMPD at the highest level.”
Matlala’s reaction was evident in messages to another associate, Brown Mogotsi: “My contract was cancelled yesterday… I am taking this to the media and in court on Friday… I will fight back and fight very strong.” This anger stemmed from the tender’s abrupt end, which Matlala blamed on Mchunu’s interference, despite initial approvals.
The ‘Big Five’ Cartel: Infiltration and Broader Allegations
The “Big Five” cartel, as outlined by Khumalo, consists of five key figures operating nationally and internationally, with a head office in Gauteng. Matlala and Molefe (accused in the murder of musician DJ Sumbody) are named members, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, hijackings, tender fraud, and contract killings. Khumalo alleged the group has penetrated SAPS and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) at senior levels, using insiders like Senona, Mogotsi, and Acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi to advance their goals.
Chats showed Mogotsi leaking classified crime intelligence to Matlala and coordinating payments for the Medicare24 tender. Senona’s involvement included similar leaks, with his son’s business ties to Matlala suggesting personal gain. Academic commentator Calvin Rafadi and businessman Suliman Karim were also paid by Matlala for access to senior SAPS members, further illustrating the network’s reach.
These revelations tie into Mkhwanazi’s initial July 6, 2025, briefing, where he accused politicians, police, and judiciary members in Gauteng of forming a syndicate controlled by drug cartels and businesspeople. The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has heard from witnesses like suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who denied similar allegations against him.
Tender Background: From Award to Cancellation Amid Irregularities
The Medicare24 tender was awarded in June 2024 but quickly flagged for potential wrongdoing. Valued at R360 million, it involved health services for SAPS, but suspicions of fraud led to Mchunu’s review order. Masemola terminated it on May 13, 2025, a day before Matlala’s arrest for attempted murder of his ex-lover, Tebogo Thobejane.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has since raided Matlala’s properties, seizing assets worth R133.5 million, including luxury cars and a R86-million mansion allegedly bought with looted funds. Matlala’s 41 companies are accused of siphoning R820 million from Tembisa Hospital in a separate scandal, with links to broader tender fraud.
Commission Context: Ongoing Probes and Selective Morality
The Madlanga Commission, probing criminality, political interference, and corruption in the justice system, has featured intense testimonies. Khumalo’s evidence on September 29 detailed the cartel’s infiltration, while Sibiya’s October 13-14 sessions denied his involvement in related issues like PKTT disbandment.
Critics note selective investigations, with figures like Mchunu on leave amid allegations. Social commentators like Reverend Mo’hau Khumalo have slammed such ties as evidence of ANC “ethical collapse.”
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