Cat Matlala was pushing for General Shadrack Sibiya to be Hawks head: Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

• KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified about the attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi Matlala
• He said that Matlala boasted on a phone call he made while in prison that Sibiya was going to be the next Hawks commissioner
• Mkhwanazi also accused Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Barnard of attempting to disrupt the work of the Political Killings Task Team

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

PRETORIA, GAUTENG — KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's public hearings that Vusimuzi Cat Matlala was expecting suspended deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya to be the next Hawks head.

Mkhwanazi testified at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane on 18 September 2025 as part of his testimony on the second day. Mkhwanazi said that while Matlala was incarcerated at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services facility, he boasted about how Sibiya would be the best head of the Hawks. Matlala has been in custody since he was arrested for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actor and social media influencer Tebogo Thobejane.

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Mkhwanazi said that Matlslas spoke on the phone with Mr Rafadi and told him that Sibiya had already given the position of the head of the Hawks. Mkhwanazi also said that the filling of the head of the Hawks is the responsibility of the Minister of Police.

Mkhwanazi slams DA member of Parliament

Mkhwanazi also accused Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Bernard of attempting to disrupt the work of the Political Killings Task Team. Mkhwanazi also slammed National Coloured Congress president and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams for having access to sensitive crime intelligence information. Adams responded and said the information was sent to him.

What you need to know about the Madlanga Commission

• President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 13 July and placed Senzo Mchunu on special leave
• Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said in August that the Commission of Inquiry would cost taxpayers R147.9 million
• The Minister of Justice and Correctional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, suspended two senior officials for causing delays for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
• Mkhwanazi was expected to be the first witness to testify at the public hearings of the Commission of Inquiry
• The Mkhonto Wesizwe Party lost its court bid to prevent the Madlanga Commission proceedings from taking place

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What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook were stunned.

Snethemba Hlongwa said:

"More like the Gupta family when they chose ministers. State Capture reloaded."

Themba Zizi Jama said:

"History repeats itself. Do you still remember the Gupta brothers?"

Motheo Phoku said:

"Behind you, leadership. Expose them."

MmaKB Emily said:

"Some people are ready for orange suits. They know it won't end well."

Thomas Mahlangu said:

"This is police capture."

Cat Matlala 's vehicles registered as state vehicles

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mkhwanazi revealed that Matlala's vehicles were registered as state vehicles. He made the revelations during his second day of testifying at the Commission of Inquiry.

Mkhwanazi said that Ekurhuleni top cop General Julius Mkhwanazi registered Matlala's vehicles as state vehicles. He also fitted them with blue lights.

Source: Briefly News