Kelebogile Thepa Breaks Down in Tears During Madlanga Commission Testimony About Blue Lights Scandal
- Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry about the blue lights scandal at Ekurhuleni
- Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi is at the centre of allegations that he helped Vusimuzi Matlala get blue lights for his CAT VIP vehicles
- Colonel Thepa disclosed how she was victimised and attacked following the fallout of the scandal involving Brigadier Mkhwanazi
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – An emotional Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry how her life has not been the same since now infamous blue light saga at Ekurhuleni.
Colonel Thepa, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson and head of the media and public relations unit, testified about the blue lights scandal at the department and how she came under attack following it.
The EMPD has been a big focus of testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, following allegations that Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi helped Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala get blue lights for his vehicles.
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Colonel Thepa breaks down in tears during testimony
During her testimony on 14 November 2025, Colonel Thepa recalled how the story surrounding Cat’s vehicles being registered to the EMPD led to her being victimised and targeted. As spokesperson for the EMPD, she was contacted by News24’s Jeff Wicks, who enquired about the matter.
Colonel Thepa testified later that it became clear that powerful people at the municipality were not satisfied with how she responded to the New24 query. She further recalled that in July 2023, she was attacked by unknown men, who she believed were after information on her phone.
Colonel Thepa testified that she was in a vehicle with her neighbour in the passenger seat when three men approached. One of the men pointed a firearm at her, while the other demanded that she switch off the vehicle. She explained that the third person got in the vehicle behind the passenger seat and pushed a firearm into her neck.
The colonel became emotional and broke down in tears as she explained that she was hit on the head with the firearm and pushed into the passenger seat. The commission then took a short adjournment to allow her to compose herself after recalling the traumatic experience.
When she resumed her testimony, Colonel Thepa explained that the men didn’t steal her money or the vehicle, which was new, but only demanded her phone. She added that she had an out-of-body experience, as she could see the suspects driving to Ivory Park, but she was unresponsive and could do nothing. One of the suspects even asked the neighbour in the backseat to open the phone.
Despite taking her wallet and phone, they didn’t withdraw any money from her cards, further adding to the belief that they wanted information on her phone.
Media unit disbanded by Brigadier Mkhwanazi
Colonel Thepa also told the commission that the attack was not the only way she was targeted. A case of defeating the ends of justice was opened against her, and the media unit was also disbanded following the fallout of the blue light saga.
She testified that in 2024, an email was sent ordering the immediate disbandment of the media unit. All members of the unit were to be deployed to different police stations. She explained that she was shocked by the decision, as only the then Chief of Police, Isaac Mapiyeye, had the power to disband the unit, but the order came from Brigadier Mkhwanazi.
What you need to know about the Madlanga Commission
- Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi accused the Presidency of interfering in investigations.
- Masemola accused Mchunu and General Shadrack Sibiya of trying to protect criminal syndicates.
- General Khumalo revealed that five major cartels were operating in the country and infiltrating the criminal justice system.
- The Madlanga Commission proceedings were postponed after General Dumisani Khumalo fell ill.
- Witness C testified how a piece of evidence at Cat Matlala's mansion held links to Jerry Boshoga's kidnapping.
- Witness C testified that Shadrack Sibiya and Senzo Mchunu urged Vusimuzi Matlala to open a false case.
Whistleblower killed after exposing EMPD corruption
Briefly News reported how the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard testimony about how a whistleblower was killed after exposing corruption.
Revo Spies, the retired Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner, testified on 10 November 2025 about the murder.
Spies also detailed how officers were alleged to have been involved in copper theft, including Brigadier Mkhwanazi.
Source: Briefly News
