Madlanga Commission uncovers alleged arms deal between Gauteng cop and Mabuza relative

The Madlanga Commission has heard evidence regarding a possible arms deal involving a Gauteng police officer and an alleged relative of the late former Deputy President, David Mabuza.

Testifying partially in camera from an undisclosed location, the individual identified as Witness F confirmed the existence of WhatsApp messages between himself and Mabuza’s nephew concerning the sale of a large consignment of firearms.

Earlier in his testimony, Witness F—a member attached to Gauteng Organised Crime—confirmed that he acted as a middleman between criminally accused tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.

READ: Urgent court application launched to prevent Madlanga Commission witness from testifying

A WhatsApp conversation between a contact listed on Witness F’s phone as “Comrade DD Mabuza Deputy President” and the Gauteng officer has been read out at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

However, Witness F denied that the number belonged to the late former Deputy President, claiming it was in fact that of his nephew, Siphiwe Mabuza.

Regarding the contact name, Witness F stated, "When I saved his number, I saved him the way he portrayed his uncle DD Mabuza. At that particular time, I saw it fit to save it like that, DD Mabuza."

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson read out the message sent from Siphiwe Mabuza to Witness F. The message read: "Hey brother - do you have a market for a compact CQC (Close Quarter Combat) 12 gauge shotgun, manufactured in South Africa (pic attached). I have access to 750 units in knock down component form (plus spares) ready for shipping with matching flash bang ammo (see videos) at family price."

Although Witness F responded to the offer by saying, “I need to see and test,” he claimed during the inquiry that he never actually tested the guns.