Sibiya admits 'Cat' Matlala attended his son's engagement party but denies inviting him

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has confirmed that alleged criminal kingpin, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, attended his son’s engagement party at his home. 

But Sibiya denies having invited Matlala, saying he was told only to come fetch his wife, who was present at the party. 

Sibiya was responding to evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which seems to suggest he received gratification payments from Matlala. 

In September 2024, Sibiya held an intimate gathering of just over twenty people at his private residence to celebrate his son's engagement. 

Sibiya claims none of his friends were invited, as it was his son's event, but confirmed that he instructed his colleague to tell Matlala to come through to fetch his wife. 

ALSO READ: Sibiya denies receiving impalas from 'Cat' Matlala

Matlala's wife was allegedly at the party, despite Sibiya saying she was never formally invited. 

"His attendance was limited in duration, while he entered the home and briefly socialised, this was incidental to collecting his wife. They remained no more than approximately an hour before they departed."

According to a recorded discussion between Matlala and police, upon his arrest, he claimed to have gifted Sibiya R300,000 in cash as a wedding gift for his son’s engagement. 

Sibiya denied the claims.