UJ responds after crime expert Rafadi named in Madlanga Commission testimony

Johannesburg – University of Johannesburg (UJ) research associate Calvin Rafadi has tendered his resignation with immediate effect following his name being mentioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating alleged criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system.

In a letter addressed to UJ and circulated publicly, Rafadi said his decision to step down was made “as a matter of principle” after his identity was revealed during the inquiry despite his role in a covert police operation.

“I have recently been mentioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by General Dumisani Khumalo and a witness identified as ‘X’,” Rafadi wrote.

Calvin Rafadi and Vusimusi Cat Matlala. Rafadi allegedly consistently asked Matlala for “Petrol” money….

Cat Matlala is a grootman, everyone asked money from him even Dr Gwen did.

#AdHocCommittee#MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/tRfjaQvAMP

— LadyM1306!🖤💚💛🇿🇦🇵🇸🇮🇷 (@LadyM1306) October 14, 2025

“Prior to my name being disclosed, I had made efforts to caution certain officials against doing so, as I have been involved in a covert operation within the Kidnapping Task Team.”

Rafadi said the public disclosure of his identity had “compromised both [his] safety and professional integrity.”

He added that he had received and complied with a “Notice 3” from the Commission and had submitted a formal response addressing all allegations made against him.

Letter from Calvin Rafadi to UJ:

I have recently been mentioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by General Dumisani Khumalo and a witness identified as “X”.

As you may be aware, the Terms of Reference of the Commission include investigating criminality, political… https://t.co/0JarHA7JVz

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 20, 2025

“The purpose of this email is to tender my resignation with immediate effect from my role and responsibilities at the University of Johannesburg,” Rafadi said.

“This decision must not be interpreted as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing in relation to any allegations before the Commission.”

Rafadi described his resignation as a “principled decision based on [his] respect for the academic community and the reputation of the University of Johannesburg,” adding that it was “ethical and responsible to ensure that the institution is not unnecessarily associated with media speculation or controversy.”

On Monday Times Live reported that UJ had distanced itself from Rafadi following the commission revelations.

“It has been brought to the university’s attention that his name was mentioned in one of the testimonies presented to the Madlanga commission. The university is addressing the matter internally,” the report quoted spokesperson Herman Esterhuizen as saying.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established to probe allegations of political interference, corruption, and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system.