Madlanga Commission examines ‘grabber’ chats in alleged cartel network probe

The Madlanga Commission has turned its attention to WhatsApp messages said to involve alleged members of the so-called “Big Five” cartel, with the chats appearing to discuss the possible acquisition of covert surveillance equipment known as “grabbers”.

Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC led the messages during Monday’s proceedings as the commission continued examining alleged links between organised criminal networks and members of law enforcement.

The chats involve businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Katiso Molefe, the late Mpumalanga taxi boss Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi and suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi, according to reports on the proceedings.

The messages allegedly refer to “grabbers” — devices associated with intercepting or capturing mobile-phone communications. The appearance of the term in the chats does not, on its own, establish that equipment was acquired or used, but it has become a significant focus of the commission’s inquiry into alleged intelligence gathering and influence networks.

Nkosi has featured prominently in earlier commission evidence, where investigators examined his alleged contact with several figures linked to the purported cartel. The inquiry is probing claims that criminal networks may have sought information, protection and influence through contacts within police and intelligence structures.

Matlala’s own testimony has been postponed until next week, with the businessman given until Saturday to submit a supplementary affidavit.

During Monday’s sitting, Matlala repeatedly invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination when questioned. He also confirmed that suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi is his friend.

Matlala further acknowledged receiving what was described as a R15 million loan from North West businessman Suliman Carrim. Carrim previously told the commission that he had provided substantial funding linked to Matlala’s business dealings, while maintaining that the transactions were legitimate commercial arrangements.

The financial relationship is relevant to the commission’s wider examination of the controversial SAPS Medicare24 health-services tender. Matlala and his companies are due to stand trial in connection with fraud, corruption and money-laundering allegations relating to that contract after an earlier plea-and-sentence agreement collapsed. Those charges remain untested in court.

The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference within policing, intelligence and prosecution structures.

No findings of wrongdoing have yet been made against the people named in the evidence, and all remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.