Cat Matlala Alleges Threats Against Family Over Madlanga Commission Testimony

Allegations of Intimidation at the Madlanga Commission

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala testified before the Madlanga Commission, claiming that he and his family received threats linked to his knowledge of former SAPS deputy commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya. According to Matlala, these threats were intended to prevent him from revealing information during his appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee.

Pressure to Withhold Information

During Monday’s hearing, Matlala stated that a lawyer, identified only as “Mr Forbay”, repeatedly pressured him to conceal details about his relationship with Sibiya. Matlala asserted that Forbay warned him of danger to his family should he fully disclose what he knew about Sibiya’s activities and their association.

“Forbay informed me not to reveal the whole truth about Sibiya and my knowing him,” Matlala said.

He further alleged that Forbay explicitly told him his family’s safety was at risk if he shared the entirety of his knowledge with the committee and commission.

Claims of Direct Threats and Coercion

Matlala detailed how, during breaks in the committee proceedings, Forbay would make contact with Sibiya and then hand the telephone to him. According to Matlala, these exchanges reinforced the warnings to avoid disclosing information about their interactions.

In his testimony, Matlala described the ongoing pressure: he claimed his wife, Tsakane Matlala, was also contacted multiple times by someone she believed to be Sibiya, reaching out from a private number. The caller, according to Matlala, warned her not to provide any information related to Sibiya.

He described these communications as threatening not only his own safety but also the wellbeing of his family should he fail to comply with the warnings.

Concealing Their Relationship

To hide their connection, Matlala said he saved Sibiya’s contact details under the name “Sotoba.” He testified that he habitually deleted any communication between the two after speaking, on instruction from Sibiya, who allegedly insisted their ongoing contact remain confidential.

“He said to me that I need to protect him at all costs, and he did not want anybody to know that I was in communication with him,” Matlala recounted.

Matlala’s claims, presented to the commission, form part of a broader narrative around intimidation and pressure that may shape the ongoing inquiry.

Context and Implications for the Inquiry

Allegations of intimidation and coercion can have serious implications for public commissions and committees seeking honest, unfiltered testimony. If witnesses believe they or their families could be at risk, the integrity of such investigative processes may be compromised.

The Madlanga Commission continues its hearings as it navigates complex testimony and the broader implications of witness safety.