Suspended top cop Sibiya refutes claims of friendship with 'Cat' Matlala

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, has reiterated that alleged criminal tender tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, is not his friend.

Sibiya kicked off his fifth day of testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Sibiya defended his decision to invite Matlala to his son’s 2024 engagement party at his private residence.

He claimed Matlala’s wife was at the event, despite not being formally invited.

And on that premise, he said he invited Cat with the only intention of fetching his wife.

Sibiya was questioned about whether it was against the South African Police Service (SAPS) policies to have a service provider at his private residence.

"I may not have a deep knowledge in terms of what the standing orders or the regulations are saying, specifically in relation to who, in fact, can be invited and who can not, and under what circumstances."

He claimed he didn’t feel it was a conflict of interest to have Matlala at his home, as he was not directly involved in the awarding of Matlala’s tender.

"I really didn’t mind that he was coming because the main purpose was for him to come to collect his wife persay."

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