The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been presented with damning WhatsApp messages showing how self-styled crime expert Calvin Rafadi repeatedly requested money and other favours from attempted murder-accused and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
According to testimony by Witness X, Rafadi’s requests included petrol, diesel, rent money, car repairs, e-hailing rides, and even contributions toward his PhD studies. The evidence suggests that these financial favours coincided with Rafadi publicly defending Matlala and targeting the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in media statements.
The messages, exchanged between 12 December 2024 and 13 May 2025, were submitted as evidence to the Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of collusion and corruption among politicians, senior police officials, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and members of the judiciary.
Witness X testified remotely, with evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim SC reading the affidavit into the record due to a security breach that raised safety concerns.
“The analysis demonstrates that the requests for money and other favors are tied to Mr Rafadi performing a media and propaganda function for Mr Matlala,” said Witness X. “While the payments are not always linked to a request, they often coincide with Mr Rafadi promoting narratives that benefit Mr Matlala.”
The Commission heard that on 18 December 2024, Rafadi asked Matlala for petrol, followed by a 22 December request for rent money. In January 2025, Rafadi requested financial assistance for PhD registration, after which Matlala paid R20,000 to Rafadi’s company, Bizztracers.
Further messages revealed continued requests: petrol on 15 January, a spare car on 31 January, and several more pleas for petrol, diesel, and cash through March and April 2025. On 17 March, Matlala allegedly sent R3,000, followed by a handshake emoji from Rafadi acknowledging payment.
Between April and May 2025, Rafadi’s requests escalated — asking for Uber rides, money for car repairs, and more fuel. After a 17 May payment, Rafadi reportedly replied with celebratory GIFs.
Witness X confirmed that forensic analysis of Matlala’s phone revealed at least three additional payments to Rafadi, dated 2 March and 17 April 2025.
This evidence follows earlier testimony by Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, who alleged that several individuals — including Rafadi, businessman Suleiman Carrim, Major-General Lesetja Senona, and Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi — maintained “beneficial relationships” with Matlala.
Rafadi has since told the media that he is prepared to testify before the Madlanga Commission.
The revelations raise serious questions about the integrity of public commentators and experts who present themselves as independent voices on crime and corruption while allegedly benefiting from the very networks under investigation.
