Madlanga Commission Reveals Photos of 5 Alleged Big Five Cartel Members

• The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry shared an image identifying five alleged members of the Big Five criminal syndicate on 2 September 2026
• The cartel is linked to drug trafficking, contract killings, tender fraud, and a R360 million police procurement deal involving illicit surveillance equipment
• One of the five identified figures, Katiso 'KT' Molefe, faces trial on more than 30 murder charges alongside allegations of state tender manipulation

SOUTH AFRICA — The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has released an image identifying five alleged members of the Big Five criminal syndicate, bringing faces to a cartel whose influence over South Africa's law-enforcement apparatus has emerged as a central theme of proceedings.

Eyewitness News shared the image on X on 2 September 2026, naming the individuals from left to right as Katiso Molefe, Steve Motsumi, Ignatius Mothakathi, Andrew "Boy" Mthethwa, and the late Jothan "King Mswazi" Msibi, pictured in a white shirt.

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What the Commission has heard

Evidence placed before the commission describes an organised crime network operating primarily in Gauteng, with alleged reach extending deep into the criminal justice system. The syndicate is accused of running drug distribution rings from private properties, orchestrating contract killings, and manipulating state tenders.

Testimony has also linked the group to the illegal acquisition of surveillance technology through an R360 million police procurement deal involving illicit interception equipment. Senior police leadership has testified about how syndicate members allegedly used high-ranking officials to interfere with active investigations, shielding operations from law-enforcement scrutiny.

KT Molefe faces more than 30 murder charges

Among the five, Katiso "KT" Molefe stands out as the most legally exposed figure at this stage. He is facing trial in connection with more than 30 murder charges, in addition to allegations tied to state tender manipulation. The commission's findings continue to detail the scale of the syndicate's alleged infiltration of state institutions.

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Jothan Msibi, identified in the image, is deceased.

View the image on X:

What did South Africans say?

Social media users reacted sharply to the release of the photograph.

@NicInalos wrote:

"This is why I have been waiting for this moment since the start of the commission."

@LadyM1306 commented:

"And they still think Cat is more dangerous than KT."

@MoiponeSenoe asked:

"So Sibanyoni was not the top guy?"

@Mbojunior999 questioned:

"Big 5 of what exactly? Drugs?"

Chikunga addresses Madlanga Commission mention

In a related article, Briefly News reported on former Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga's denial of allegations made by Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni regarding her knowledge of cartel activities within the taxi industry. Sibanyoni's testimony, which includes claims of a corruption-ridden relationship between taxi operators and transport officials, sheds light on ongoing concerns about the integrity of the sector.

Source: Briefly News