Cape Town – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s name has surfaced at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, but no evidence directly links him to any criminal activity.
Witness A, a Gauteng SAPS detective from the Organised Crime Unit, testified partially in-camera that he was informed by General Richard Shibiri that Malema has close ties to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and to ZE Nxumalo, a Sandton businessman involved in mining interests in the North West.
“He said Zee is a close friend of Julius Malema, who is a politician who tends to be close with General Sibiya. So, he was connecting the person that we are arrested to Zee and then Zee to Julius Malema and then Julius, who is friends with General Sibiya, the deputy national commissioner,” Witness A said.
Witness A revealed that Major-Gen Richard Shibiri, the intelligence chief, indicated that Katiso “KT” Molefe is connected to a prominent Zulu guy, Ze Nxumalo, based in Sandton, who is a close ally of Julius Malema. Shibiri also noted that Malema has a close relationship with… pic.twitter.com/hEkvCESxRA
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Shibiri also linked this network to multi-millionaire Katiso “KT” Molefe, whom Witness A’s team arrested in December.
Witness A clarified that these connections were hearsay and not linked to the allegations being investigated by the commission.
During his emotional testimony, Witness A detailed his team’s role in solving the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, noting that he and colleague Witness B were placed under 24-hour protection at a safe house due to safety threats.
Despite the risks, he said he would do it all again, emphasising his commitment to justice and the gratitude of victims’ families.
He concluded by paying tribute to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for exposing alleged corruption in the criminal justice system during his July 6 press briefing.
Witness A testified off camera and from a secure location to ensure his safety.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu