Former ANC treasurer arrested at OR Tambo Airport over Madlanga Commission no-show

Johannesburg – A 49-year-old businessman and former African National Congress (ANC) North West provincial treasurer has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for failing to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

According to News24, the man was arrested on Thursday evening, 15 October, shortly before he was due to board an international flight. He is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the arrest, with national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe telling Eyewitness News (EWN): “The Commission’s Recommendations Task Team effected the arrest just after half past eight on Thursday evening at the OR Tambo Airport, moments before the 49-year-old man was due to board an international flight.”

EWN reported that the businessman had previously testified before the commission in March, when evidence leaders questioned him about financial transactions involving businessman Hangwani Maumela and alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The inquiry also examined his reported investment of approximately R10 million in Tshwane Medicare24, a company awarded a R360 million South African Police Service health services contract.

The businessman maintained that he had invested money in Matlala’s company and was attempting to recover his funds, denying any wrongdoing.

Failure to appear before inquiry

The arrest follows the businessman’s failure to appear before the commission as directed. The commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga subsequently instructed the commission secretary to lay criminal charges against him.

TimesLIVE also confirmed that the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team carried out the arrest and that the man was expected in court on Friday morning.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement structures.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the charges the businessman may face following his arrest. The arrest itself does not establish guilt, and the allegations against him remain subject to the legal process.