Ramaphosa’s name surfaces as Cat Matlala is questioned at Madlanga Commission

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s name surfaced during Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission as commissioners probed confidential information that had passed through Matlala’s hands, according to The South African.

Document linked to Ramaphosa examined

According to The South African, among the material examined by the commission was a document containing personal information purportedly linked to Ramaphosa. The commission had previously heard from a protected witness in October 2025 that Matlala had sent Major-General Lesetja Senona a confidential document containing multiple identity numbers purportedly linked to Ramaphosa.

Matlala’s account: forwarding documents

The South African reports that Matlala was questioned about documents he received from private investigator Calvin Rafadi and forwarded to Senona. Matlala told the commission:

“I was just forwarding these things. I don’t know anything about them,”

and, according to The South African, his evidence did not implicate Ramaphosa in wrongdoing.

Relationship with Major‑General Lesetja Senona

The South African says the commission also examined Matlala’s relationship with Senona. Matlala told the commission they first met at Senona’s wedding in 2019 and grew closer after meeting again at a funeral connected to late taxi boss Jotham Msibi in 2021. He described Senona as an “older brother” and said Senona lent him R20 000 after police raided his Pretoria property in December 2024.

Allegations involving senior police figures

Matlala’s testimony also touched on suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Shadrack Sibiya. The South African reports Matlala told the commission he met KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in April 2025 after former police minister Bheki Cele helped arrange the meeting, and that allegations Sibiya was collecting money from people in Gauteng formed part of their discussion.

Matlala denied personally paying Sibiya but, according to The South African, claimed Sergeant Fannie Nkosi acted as a “middleman” through whom money was allegedly collected. He refused to identify the people who allegedly made payments, repeatedly invoking his right against self‑incrimination.

Ongoing legal proceedings and commission inquiry

The South African reports Matlala is facing separate criminal proceedings and told the commission that disclosing certain information could prejudice his defence. The commission continues its investigation into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system, according to The South African.