By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Suspended Deputy Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, appeared in front of the Madlanga Commission due to his conflicting dates regarding his first meeting with alleged crime kingpin, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Sibiya was questioned further about his relationship with Matlala including his purchasing Impalas, as well as the Medicare24 police tender which was given to Matlala.

Sibiya was asked why he provided different dates to the Ad Hoc Committee and the Commission regarding his first meeting with Matlala.

 “My question is, why the difference in dates? In one sworn statement, you say you met Matlala in February, and in the other, you say January. I’m trying to understand what changed” asked the evidence leader, Adila Hassim.

 Sibiya continued to insist that the tender was awarded when he met Matlala in his office who was accompanied by his lawyer.

 “I could have said February. Maybe at that point in time, I didn’t have one in front of me, but the first time I met was when he came to the office.” said Sibiya.

 Sibiya also denied ever agreeing to receiving 20 Impalas from Matlala, however there is Whatsapp evidence displaying his residential location pin was shared for a planned delivery.

 In March 2024, there was a voice note forwarded from Matlala, to one Witness F, who then forwarded the voice note to Sibiya with the message stating “It’s from Cat”.

 Sibiya acknowledged the message and confirmed that the phone number in the messages belonged to him. The location that was referred to in the messages also belonged to Sibiya.

 Sibiya said that he did not accept the Impalas because he could only afford one animal and nothing more than that.

Earlier testimonies from Witness C and F claim that Sibiya did in fact receive 20 Impalas including cash and property related in exchange for police protection.

 Sibiya has expressed that those claims are false and that they are fueled by political motives.