WhatsApp spills the beans: Tender tycoon, accused killer, prominent figures named at Madlanga Commission

WhatsApp exchanges between tender tycoon and attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matalala, and several prominent figures have been revealed at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

READ MORE:

• Madlanga Commission to resume hearings on 13 October
• Civil society movement hopes the Madlanga Commission is used as a platform to restore justice

The evidence forms part of the testimony from an unidentified witness, known only as witness X, who began testifying anonymously on Tuesday morning.

However, following concerns for their safety, a decision was taken to have Witness X’s statement read out by evidence leader, Adila Hassim.

WhatsApp messages presented by witness X showed collusion between Vusimuzi "Cat" Matalala and North West businessman and ANC backer, Suliman Carrim.

It appears that Carrim assisted Matalala by using his political connections to ensure Matalala received payments from the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding his R360-million tender.

In turn, Carrim was allegedly paid by Matalala and suggests that he "sorted out" Hangwani Morgan Maumela, who has been heavily linked in the R2-billion looting scandal of Tembisa Hospital.

Reading out witness X’s evidence, Advocate Adila Hassim said: “On 4 February 2025, Mr Matalala sends a proof of payment to Mr Carrim in the amount of R1.5-million. Mr Matalala calls Mr Carrim, which is followed by a message that one ‘Morgan’ is sorted. This is possibly in reference to one Morgan Hangwani Maumela, with whom Mr Matalala also communicates via WhatsApp.”

Witness X claims to expand on these allegations during in-camera hearings.