Key Takeaways:
- KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been accused of offering to hold off on a criminal investigation into Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala in exchange for intel on former national Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
- KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona made the allegation while testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria.
- Senona confirmed he had a relationship with Matlala and that the pair were introduced at his wedding in 2019.
- Matlala is a tender tycoon with a R36 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender that came under scrutiny.
- Mkhwanazi allegedly offered to back off from investigating Matlala in exchange for information on Sibiya.
Introduction to the Allegations:
The latest developments in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have shed light on shocking allegations against KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. According to KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona, Mkhwanazi offered to hold off on a criminal investigation into Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala in exchange for intel on former national Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. This shocking revelation has raised questions about the integrity of the police force and the extent to which corruption and cronyism have infiltrated the highest echelons of power. The allegations made by Senona are particularly damning, as they suggest that Mkhwanazi was willing to compromise the integrity of a criminal investigation in order to gain leverage over a former colleague.
The Relationship Between Senona and Matlala:
Senona’s testimony revealed that he had a close relationship with Matlala, who is a tender tycoon with a R36 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender that came under scrutiny. The two were introduced at Senona’s wedding in 2019, and Senona described Matlala as a close friend. However, when Matlala’s SAPS contract came under investigation, Senona accompanied him to a meeting with Mkhwanazi in an attempt to resolve the issues surrounding the contract. This meeting allegedly took place at an apartment in Durban, which Senona claims is owned by Mkhwanazi. The fact that Senona and Matlala were so close raises questions about the nature of their relationship and whether Senona’s proximity to Matlala influenced his actions as a law enforcement officer.
The Alleged Meeting with Mkhwanazi:
According to Senona, the meeting with Mkhwanazi was a pivotal moment in the saga. He alleges that Mkhwanazi offered Matlala a deal, which would see the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) backing off from investigating Matlala in exchange for information on Sibiya. This is a shocking revelation, as it suggests that Mkhwanazi was willing to compromise the integrity of a criminal investigation in order to gain leverage over a former colleague. Senona’s testimony also revealed that Mkhwanazi offered to hold off on allegations of attempted murder against Matlala in exchange for information on Sibiya. This is particularly disturbing, given that Matlala was arrested by members of the PKTT and charged with the attempted murder of his former socialite girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, last year.
Implications of the Allegations:
The implications of these allegations are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the police force and the broader justice system. If true, they suggest that corruption and cronyism have infiltrated the highest echelons of power, compromising the integrity of law enforcement and the justice system. The fact that Mkhwanazi allegedly offered to hold off on a criminal investigation in exchange for intel on a former colleague raises questions about the extent to which personal relationships and interests influence decision-making within the police force. Furthermore, the fact that Senona and Matlala were so close raises questions about the nature of their relationship and whether Senona’s proximity to Matlala influenced his actions as a law enforcement officer.
Conclusion and Future Directions:
In conclusion, the allegations made by Senona against Mkhwanazi are shocking and have significant implications for the police force and the broader justice system. The fact that Mkhwanazi allegedly offered to hold off on a criminal investigation in exchange for intel on a former colleague raises questions about the extent to which corruption and cronyism have infiltrated the highest echelons of power. As the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to investigate these allegations, it is essential that the police force and the justice system take steps to address the underlying issues that have led to these allegations. This includes implementing measures to prevent corruption and cronyism, as well as ensuring that law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions. Ultimately, the integrity of the justice system depends on the ability of law enforcement officers to act with integrity and impartiality, and it is essential that these principles are upheld in order to maintain public trust and confidence in the system.
