Police stamp, WhatsApp chats and a R1m ‘grabber’ deal: Madlanga hears alleged plot involving Msibi

WhatsApp exchanges and documents presented at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday allege an attempt to use the South African Police Service as a front to obtain sophisticated phone‑interception technology known as a “grabber” for resale in eSwatini.

Who the commission heard was involved

Chief Evidence Leader Matthew Chaskalson told the commission the evidence links suspended Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, murder accused Katiso “KT” Molefe, the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi and private security businessman Steve Motsumi to the proposed transaction.

The commission was shown WhatsApp messages and correspondence said to involve negotiations with a Czech Republic–based supplier. Chaskalson described the plan as representing the purchase as an official police demonstration while allegedly diverting the equipment to eSwatini.

Alleged use of police stamp and procurement document

Chaskalson told the inquiry the correspondence with the Czech supplier included documents bearing SAPS stamps. He alleged that Nkosi used a police stamp and his force number on a procurement document to help advance the deal.

WhatsApp messages outline the negotiations

Messages extracted from phones shown at the commission included an exchange in which a contact saved as “Shaun Jacobs phone expert” asked whether the “Swazi deal” remained possible. Nkosi forwarded that message to Msibi, who is recorded as replying:

“It’s on the table but they have to display. We don’t want to become fools.”

Chaskalson said the proposed demonstration was intended to reassure the supplier that the equipment was being acquired for police purposes, despite allegations that the ultimate destination was eSwatini.

Related exchanges about cigarettes, thefts and ‘red water’

The commission also examined WhatsApp exchanges involving Msibi and Kyle Phillips, a director of the tobacco company Carnilinx. Chaskalson said those messages concerned repeated thefts and hijackings of cigarette consignments.

He told the commission an individual named “Ali”, whom he described as a suspected robber, communicated with Phillips about recovering stolen stock. In another exchange, Phillips allegedly offered Msibi “red water”, a substance the commission linked in the evidence to illicit gold processing.

Company links and other allegations

The commission heard that Msibi was identified as the owner of the security company Themy Styles, with Molefe listed as its director.

Chaskalson also noted that Molefe faces trial‑related allegations connected to the murders of musicians DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos.

What comes next

The commission is expected to hear further evidence related to these claims.