Masemola Links Minister Mchunu to Alleged Crime Figures at Madlanga Commission

Pretoria — Explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has revealed shocking allegations connecting senior government officials to suspected criminal networks. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola directly linked Minister Senzo Mchunu to alleged crime kingpin Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala and businessman Brown Mogotsi.

Masemola further implicated Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, alleging his role in the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KwaZulu-Natal.

READ: Masemola Accuses Police Minister Mchunu of Overstepping in Task Team Disbandment |

Disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team

Masemola told the commission he was stunned when instructed to dissolve the PKTT, a highly effective unit originally deployed at the president’s request to combat politically motivated assassinations.

“I was quite taken aback,” Masemola testified. “The president was satisfied with the performance of the PKTT, yet suddenly we were told political killings were a thing of the past.”

The directive, issued while Masemola was on leave, was pushed forward in haste by his deputy, Sibiya. Within seven days, all 121 active political killing dockets were ordered to be handed over—an action Masemola described as unlawful and suspicious.

Links to Alleged Criminal Cartels

Masemola testified that the abrupt dismantling of the task team only made sense in hindsight. He claimed the move was motivated by attempts to shield criminal cartels from investigation.

“Knowing what I know now, the irrational interference in operational matters can be explained by the desire to stop investigations into cartels. Evidence links the minister to Brown Mogotsi, ‘Cat’ Matlala, and Lt. Gen. Sibiya.”

Matlala’s arrest earlier in 2025 reportedly exposed connections between senior officials and organized crime, reinforcing suspicions around the task team’s disbandment.

Charges Against Deputy Commissioner Sibiya

According to Masemola, Sibiya’s insistence on shutting down the PKTT triggered an internal investigation. The findings suggested a larger scheme:

• Control of 121 political killing dockets
• Allegations of insubordination
• Accusations of defeating the ends of justice
• Deliberate interference in ongoing investigations

Masemola alleged Sibiya acted “in cahoots” with Minister Mchunu, executing an unlawful instruction without considering its legality.

READ: Day 3 Madlanga Commission: Mkhwanazi Reveals Minister Mchunu's Underworld Associate

Next Steps for the Commission

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to probe the extent of criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice and policing system. Masemola is the second witness to testify, and his revelations have intensified public scrutiny on the political and security establishment.

A new witness is expected to take the stand on Thursday, with further testimony anticipated to shed light on how deeply entrenched organized crime networks may be within state structures.

Key Takeaways

• National Commissioner Masemola linked Minister Mchunu to alleged crime bosses.
• Political Killings Task Team was disbanded under suspicious circumstances.
• Deputy Commissioner Sibiya faces serious allegations of obstruction and collusion.
• The Madlanga Commission is tasked with determining the legality and accountability behind these directives.