Sibiya Confirms Contact with Mogotsi and Matlala In Parliament Testimony

Sibiya confirms knowing Brown Mogotsi and Vusimuzi Matlala.

by Mathipa Phishego

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Monday to respond to allegations of political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service.

During a tense exchange with the committee’s evidence leaders, Sibiya confirmed that he had been contacted by two well-known figures: North West activist Brown Mogotsi and alleged syndicate-linked figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.

 Sibiya stated, “yes, I know Brown Mogotsi. I know him as an activist in the North West. He also contacted me. He collected information, whether it be tender-related or corruption concerns that he had. He warned me that ‘intelligence people are working on you’.”

Sibiya further acknowledged meeting Mogotsi twice, including during the ANC’s January Statement event. However, when asked about Matlala, his response was more guarded. “Yes, I do know Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, but I have no relationship with him,” he said.

The revelations come amid a broader investigation into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Sibiya of enabling corruption and interfering with the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.

The committee is probing whether Sibiya’s connections to activists and alleged syndicate figures may have influenced police operations or compromised investigations. As proceedings continue, the nation watches closely to see whether these testimonies will lead to deeper accountability or expose further cracks in South Africa’s criminal justice system.