The quiet, procedural atmosphere of the Madlanga Commission was shattered this week by a claim so explosive it prompted an immediate and fierce response from one of South Africa’s most well-known former police chiefs. The allegation? That underworld businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala was coming from the home of former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega just moments before his dramatic arrest.
Now, Phiyega is hitting back, denying the claim in the strongest possible terms.
“I Categorically and Emphatically Deny”
In a formal statement that conveyed a sense of outrage, Phiyega responded directly to the testimony given by an individual known only as Witness C. The witness had told the commission that upon his arrest on May 14, Matlala himself claimed he had just been at Phiyega’s residence.
The former top cop left no room for ambiguity. “I categorically and emphatically deny that Mr. Matlala was ever present at my home on that date or at any other time,” her statement read.
She went further, stating not only that the specific claim was false but that she has never even met the controversial figure. Phiyega labeled the entire assertion “entirely false” and “a fabrication that must be addressed with urgency.”
The Arrest That Sparked the Storm
The claim that Phiyega is so forcefully denying stems from the day of Matlala’s arrest. Witness C recounted a scene of high-speed urgency, describing how Matlala’s Mercedes-Benz was traveling so fast that hitting a pothole on New Road in Midrand was enough to bring the vehicle to a sudden halt, allowing for his capture.
Crucially, the witness clarified that this was not a police chase, but simply a case of a car moving recklessly above the speed limit. The implication, however, was that Matlala was in a hurry after a sensitive meeting. The commission heard that Matlala was seeking to discuss a case involving his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, who is embroiled in an attempted murder and conspiracy matter.
A Formal Challenge Issued
Phiyega’s response was not merely a public denial. She has formally requested guidance from the commission on how to legally challenge Witness C’s statement through official channels. This move signals a determination to clear her name directly within the forum where the allegation was made, setting the stage for a potential direct confrontation over the truth.
The commission has since adjourned for the week, but the reverberations from this exchange will undoubtedly follow it back into session on Monday. What began as testimony about an arrest has now escalated into a high-stakes clash of narratives, pulling a former police commissioner back into the spotlight and raising serious questions that demand answers.
This response is AI-generated, for reference only.
