MADLANGA: The Lines Begin to Collide

Testimony this week tied ministers, police and business figures to Crime Intelligence battles and alleged grabber deals linked to eSwatini. MP Fadiel Adams, after conceding false claims, accused KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of shielding criminal interests. The hearings now spotlight intersecting power networks rather than isolated allegations.

By MBULELO BALOYI 

The Madlanga Commission this week moved beyond explosive individual allegations, with evidence increasingly pointing to possible intersections between politics, Crime Intelligence, policing, business and organised crime.

Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala set the tone, telling the Commission that former police minister Bheki Cele had told him that Police Minister on leave Senzo Mchunu wanted Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo removed and Major-General Feroz Khan installed.

The claim is significant, but remains hearsay:

Matlala was recounting what he says Cele told him, not direct evidence from Mchunu.

Matlala also placed himself in the orbit of late taxi boss Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi.

Msibi's phone later became a key source of evidence.

WhatsApp messages involving Msibi, suspended SAPS Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, Steve Motsumi and Katiso “KT” Molefe brought the alleged acquisition of a “grabber”, surveillance equipment capable of intercepting mobile communications, into sharp focus.

The Commission heard allegations that the technology was being sought for potential sale to interests in eSwatini and that SAPS credentials may have been used in dealings with a foreign supplier.

This allegedly created the impression that the equipment was required for official police purposes.

The evidence has raised questions about the possible misuse of police authority, access and resources.

The eSwatini connection also brought King Mswati III’s name into the wider discussion.

However, the evidence heard by the Commission does not establish that the King personally participated in any alleged scheme.

Adams Apple

Then came Fadiel Adams. His testimony became a credibility contest after he was confronted over claims involving Commission correspondence and his parliamentary laptop.

Adams eventually apologised and conceded that he had not been truthful on that issue.

But he proceeded to mount a strong attack on KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing him of shielding alleged criminal Timmy Marimuthu and describing him as an “apartheid-era police officer”.

Adams also rejected suggestions that he was being used in the wider contest surrounding Crime Intelligence.

Taken individually, the evidence involves different people and allegations.

Fadiel’s testimony continues

TQ