Explosive WhatsApp messages presented at the Madlanga commission have shed new light on alleged links between deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and individuals accused of being part of the notorious “big five” criminal cartel.
The messages, extracted from the phone of a police officer known as Witness F, were used on Tuesday to illustrate how he allegedly acted as a conduit between senior police leadership and suspected organised crime figures.
Messages Detail Alleged Cartel Facilitation
According to evidence leaders, the messages show how Witness F facilitated the transfer of what were referred to as “impalas” from alleged cartel member Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala to Sibiya in March 2024.
During the hearing, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson presented a series of WhatsApp exchanges. In one conversation, Matlala asks Witness F where he should deliver the “impalas”. Minutes later, Witness F poses the same question to Sibiya, who responds by sending an address.
When asked by Chaskalson to confirm whether the address belonged to Sibiya, Witness F replied:
“I can confirm, commissioners.”
Acting as a Middleman, Not an Organiser
Chaskalson questioned Witness F on whether he regularly arranged meetings between Matlala and Sibiya. Witness F denied actively organising such meetings, instead portraying himself as a messenger.
“When they wanted to meet, they would meet through me. I am not arranging; I am just passing the message,” he told the commission.
The distinction did little to ease concerns, with evidence leaders suggesting the role still positioned Witness F as a critical link between law enforcement leadership and alleged criminals.
Links to Late ‘Big Five’ Cartel Leader
The commission also examined messages linking Witness F, Sibiya and the late Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi, a powerful taxi boss who was previously identified as the leader of the so-called “big five” cartel.
The cartel has been linked to serious crimes including drug distribution, kidnappings and contract killings.
In one instance, Sibiya allegedly informed Witness F in 2023 that he was rushing to OR Tambo International Airport after Eswatini deputy commissioner William Tsintsibala Dlamini collapsed and died. Witness F then forwarded the message to Msibi, stating that it came from his “number one”, a term he used to refer to Sibiya.
When asked why he would share police-related information with a civilian, Witness F said Msibi had a strong interest in matters related to Eswatini.
A Personal Relationship Acknowledged
Under questioning, Witness F described his relationship with Msibi as deeply personal. He told the commission that Msibi had raised him until Grade 11.
“I looked up to him as a father, and he looked at me as a son,” Witness F said.
This admission added further weight to concerns about blurred lines between personal loyalty, criminal networks and policing responsibilities.
Video Evidence and Alleged Cash Transfers
The commission previously viewed video footage showing Witness F leaving the home of alleged cartel member Katiso “KT” Molefe carrying a paper bag suspected to have contained cash.
Chaskalson also presented WhatsApp messages suggesting Witness F acted as an intermediary between Sibiya and businessman Steve Motsumi, a man previously described in evidence as “very dangerous”.
In June 2024, Witness F attempted to organise a meeting between the two and shared sensitive police information with Motsumi relating to a cash-in-transit robbery in Limpopo.
Witness F told the commission he saw nothing wrong with sharing the information, claiming Motsumi had no direct interest in the case and that he was merely demonstrating that he was actively working on it.
Firearms Messages Raise Further Questions
The hearings also revealed a WhatsApp conversation about firearm sales involving a contact saved on Witness F’s phone as “Comrade DD Mabuza, deputy president”.
In a March 2024 message, the sender asked whether Witness F knew anyone interested in purchasing compact close-quarter combat 12-gauge shotguns manufactured in South Africa. The message claimed access to 750 units, along with spare parts and related ammunition.
Witness F insisted the messages were not from the late former deputy president David Mabuza, but from his nephew, Simpiwe Mabuza.
Explaining why the contact was saved under the former deputy president’s name, Witness F said Simpiwe was obsessed with his uncle and frequently spoke about him. Chaskalson said he found this explanation difficult to accept.
Hearings to Continue
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of alleged corruption, information leaks and improper relationships within senior levels of law enforcement.
The Madlanga commission is expected to resume hearings on Wednesday, with further testimony likely to deepen public concern over the extent of alleged criminal influence within the police service.
