Madlanga Commission turns to WhatsApp messages from late taxi boss Jonathan Msibi
PRETORIA — The Madlanga Commission is focusing on WhatsApp messages linked to the late taxi boss Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi, as the inquiry continues to probe
PRETORIA — The Madlanga Commission is focusing on WhatsApp messages linked to the late taxi boss Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi, as the inquiry continues to probe relationships and allegations at the centre of its case. The hearing was expected to hear more from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, but that testimony has now been pushed to next week.
Matlala still has until Saturday to submit a supplementary affidavit. On Monday, he repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned. Short answers. Closed doors.
Matlala’s testimony paused
The commission’s shift in focus comes after a day in which Matlala said little on a number of points put to him. He also described suspended EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi as a friend, and confirmed he received a R15 million loan from North West businessman Suleiman Carrim.
That testimony, which had been closely watched for possible links between business figures, police officials and people in the taxi sector, will resume next week. The commission has given Matlala until Saturday to file his supplementary affidavit, a document that may shape how much he is willing to say when he returns.
Messages under the microscope
The latest line of questioning centres on WhatsApp exchanges involving Msibi, a late taxi figure whose messages now appear to sit at the heart of the inquiry’s next phase. The commission has not publicly detailed what those messages contain, but they have become important enough to draw the panel’s attention away from Matlala’s evidence for now.
That matters. In investigations like this, digital traces can open new routes that witness testimony leaves half-closed. They can also harden existing suspicions. Or weaken them.
The commission is expected to keep digging into the allegations and relationships that have emerged around the hearing, with the material from Msibi’s messages likely to feed into that work. For now, the next marker is clear: Matlala’s affidavit is due by Saturday, and his testimony is set to return next week.
