From Presidents to Hitmen: The Complete List of Who Must Testify About SA's Biggest Corruption Scandal

PRETORIA - As the explosive Madlanga Commission begins tomorrow with Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's testimony, public pressure is mounting for a comprehensive witness list that could finally expose the full extent of corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system.

Based on extensive analysis of the allegations and public demands, here is the complete "dream team" of witnesses who should appear before Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to provide answers about a corruption network allegedly responsible for multiple assassinations, billions in stolen contracts, and the systematic obstruction of justice.

THE POLITICIANS WHO MUST EXPLAIN

The corruption scandal has implicated several high-profile political figures whose relationships with alleged criminals demand explanation under oath.

READ: Fannie Masemola to Testify at Madlanga Commission as SAPS Corruption Claims Deepen

1)BHEKI CELE - Former Police Minister

The former minister faces serious questions about his alleged relationship with businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, who is currently awaiting trial for attempted murder. Cele must explain:

• Why someone facing attempted murder charges claims to have a business relationship with him
• The nature of his relationship with Matlala
• Meetings at a Pretoria penthouse and Zimbali Lodge
• Any involvement in contracts awarded to Matlala

3) SENZO MCHUNU - Current Police Minister

Mchunu has been directly implicated in the allegations that sparked this commission. He must clarify:

• His alleged relationships with Vusimuzi Matlala, Katiso Molefe, and Brown Mogosi
• Claims that he interfered with sensitive police investigations
• His role in dismantling specialized crime-fighting units
• Whether he acted as a "fixer" for other politicians

3) KENNY KUNENE - Businessman-Politician The flamboyant figure must explain:

• His relationship with alleged crime boss Katiso Molefe
• Why he was present at a mansion allegedly connected to criminal activities
• His connections to various underworld figures
• The source of his wealth and lifestyle

READ: The Body Count: Deaths Linked to SA's Corruption Syndicate

4) GAYTON MCKENZIE - Sports Minister

McKenzie volunteered that he has inside knowledge of underworld operations. The commission should take him up on his offer to explain:

• His connections to criminal networks from his past
• His relationship with Kenny Kunene
• What he knows about corruption in government
• His promised revelations about underworld operations

5) BENJANI CHAUKE - Presidential Adviser

A key figure in ANC politics who has advised President Ramaphosa, Chauke must clarify:

• His alleged close relationship with billionaire Morgan Maumela
• Whether he acts as a "fixer" in government deals
• His role in the CR17 and CR22 campaigns
• Any facilitation of contracts or political interference

6) CYRIL RAMAPHOSA - President

While unlikely to be called, the President should explain:

• His family connection to Morgan Maumela (uncle through marriage)
• His hiring of Bheki Cele and Senzo Mchunu despite alleged corruption
• The failures in oversight of his appointed officials
• Whether Mchunu acts as his "fixer" in corruption matters

THE COMPROMISED POLICE OFFICERS

Several current and former police officials must account for their alleged roles in protecting criminal networks.

SHADRACK SIBIYA - Lieutenant General

The senior officer faces serious questions about:

• Why he aggressively pursued 121 specific case dockets
• His defiance of direct superior orders to obtain these files
• His relationships with Katiso Molefe, Vusimuzi Matlala, and Brown Mogosi
• His eagerness to disband the Political Killings Task Team
• His claims about the AKA murder investigation

GODFREY LEBEYA - Retired Hawks Head

The former Hawks boss must explain:

• Why he sent Hawks officers to intervene in Katiso Molefe's arrest
• His decision-making process in high-profile cases
• Any external pressure or influence on investigations
• His relationships with political figures

MICHAEL PULE TAU - Detective Turned Hitman

Currently on trial for murder alongside Katiso Molefe, this former senior Gauteng detective represents the ultimate corruption of law enforcement:

• How he transformed from detective to alleged contract killer
• The extent of criminal infiltration in SAPS
• Other officers who may be compromised
• The systematic nature of police corruption

PAUL O'SULLIVAN - The Silent Whistleblower

The forensic investigator who made explosive allegations then mysteriously went quiet must explain:

• His evidence against General Fani Masemola and other senior officers
• Why he accused top cops of being criminals
• His sudden silence before the commission
• All documentation he claimed to possess

THE CRIMINAL NETWORK KINGPINS

At the heart of the scandal are alleged crime bosses who used violence and corruption to secure billions in government contracts.

HANGWANI MORGAN MAUMELA - The Ghost Billionaire

Perhaps the most mysterious figure in the entire scandal, Maumela received billions from Gauteng Health Department yet remains virtually invisible:

• How he secured massive government contracts
• His relationship with Vusimuzi Matlala
• Why meetings between politicians and Matlala occurred at his home
• The nature of his business operations
• Why he cannot be found or photographed

KATISO MOLEFE - Alleged Paymaster

Currently on trial for murder, Molefe is accused of being the financial mastermind:

• His role as alleged paymaster for various assassinations
• How he secured massive airport tenders in Welkom despite lack of experience
• His relationships with politicians and police officers
• The source of his wealth and criminal network connections

VUSIMUZI MATLALA - The Tender Hunter

Facing attempted murder charges, Matlala's case opened the floodgates of evidence:

• His R360 million police tender despite no healthcare experience
• Why guns used in murders were found at his company offices
• His relationship with politicians and police officials
• His connection to the nightclub money laundering network
• The information found on his and his associates' phones

THE MIDDLEMEN AND FIXERS

Several individuals appear to have facilitated connections between criminals and officials.

BROWN MOGOSI - The Document Handler

Mogosi claimed credit for capturing Thabo Bester but faces questions about:

• His access to sensitive police documents
• His communications with the police minister
• Allegations he received money from Vusimuzi Matlala
• His role in potentially obstructing investigations

SERGE CABONGE - The Connected Businessman

After a controversial media interview, Cabonge must clarify:

• His business relationships with the alleged criminal network
• What he knows about Morgan Maumela and others
• His attempts to discredit potential witnesses
• The extent of his knowledge about corruption operations

"MALCOLM X" - The Super Consultant

The mysterious middleman who claimed to call senior officials must explain:

• His role as a "super consultant"
• His communications with Godfrey Lebeya and other officials
• How he facilitates connections between criminals and law enforcement
• The full extent of his operations

EDWIN SODI - The Nightclub Network

The businessman with extensive government contract experience should testify about:

• His relationship with Vusimuzi Matlala
• His knowledge of government contract corruption
• His ownership of nightclubs allegedly used for money laundering
• What he knows about Morgan Maumela and the broader network

THE WITNESSES THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO HEAR

TEBOGO THOBETJANE The woman whose phone contained crucial evidence after a failed assassination attempt could provide vital testimony about the inner workings of the criminal network, despite attempts to discredit her.

MBONENI MAUMELA
Morgan Maumela's mother should explain her business dealings with her son and shed light on the mysterious billionaire's operations.

THE HUMAN COST: REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS

Before any testimony begins, the commission must acknowledge those who paid the ultimate price for opposing this network:

The Assassination Victims:

• Babita Deokaran - Killed for blocking corrupt hospital payments
• AKA (Kiernan Forbes) - Potentially connected to nightclub industry disputes
• DJ Vintes - Murdered in alleged nightclub industry conflict
• Mpho Mafole - Ekurhuleni auditor killed investigating R4 billion in contracts
• Simnikiwe Mapini - Murdered while auditing R1.8 billion waste contracts
• Three Hennops River Police Officers - Found dead, potentially connected to the network

The Survivors:

• Kagiso Lerutla - Ekurhuleni CFO who survived assassination attempt
• Joe Sibanyoni - Survived attempted hit in taxi industry dispute
• Tebogo Thobetjane - Survived attempt on her life by Matlala associates

THE STAKES COULD NOT BE HIGHER

This witness list represents more than names on paper - it's a roadmap to exposing a criminal network that has allegedly:

• Assassinated whistleblowers and investigators
• Stolen billions from hospitals, schools, and essential services
• Corrupted police investigations and judicial processes
• Used violence to secure government contracts
• Laundered money through nightclub operations
• Systematically obstructed justice at the highest levels

THE FIGHT FOR TRANSPARENCY

Public pressure is mounting to ensure these testimonies happen in open court, not behind closed doors. There are already concerns that political pressure may limit the commission's scope to protect senior figures in the Government of National Unity.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

As General Mkhwanazi takes the stand tomorrow for four days of testimony, his evidence will likely determine which of these witnesses the commission ultimately calls. His documentation and revelations could force the commission to expand its witness list or provide grounds for limiting it.

The South African public deserves nothing less than full transparency. Every name on this list represents a piece of the puzzle in understanding how corruption and violence became intertwined at the highest levels of government.

The question is not whether these witnesses have information to share - the evidence suggests they all do. The question is whether South Africa's democratic institutions have the courage to demand they share it under oath.