Big Five cartel

Public reports have named only a few alleged members or leaders of the Big Five. Crime Intelligence testimony identifies businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and hitman Katiso “KT” Molefe as central figures in the syndicate. Witnesses told investigators that the cartel was headed by the late taxi boss Jonathan “King Mswazi” Msibi, whom a detective called the cartel's “president”. Beyond these, Khumalo said the other top members have not been publicly identified, though he hinted they include high‑level “fixers”, senior police officers and politicians, who help launder illicit proceeds and thwart prosecutions. == Criminal activities and operations ==

Investigators say the Big Five runs a diversified criminal enterprise. According to Khumalo and police witnesses, its core activities include drug trafficking and contract killings, supplemented by armed hijackings and kidnappings, extortion, cross-border vehicle theft and rigged government contracts. Matlala himself was linked to an armed hit squad: a detective testified that hitmen “had to confirm with Matlala” before attempting to kill his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane. Katiso Molefe is accused of ordering multiple murders (of engineer Armand Swart and DJs “Sumbody” and “Vintos”) and handling drug shipments. Khumalo explained that its main “commodity” is drug trafficking, often protected by bribed officials, and that it has “penetrated the political sphere”. He said the Big Five maintains a national network: though Gauteng‑based, it operates “throughout the country, including the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal”. The syndicate is said to cultivate alliances with police, prosecutors and judges to derail investigations: for instance, Khumalo noted that Matlala “used top police officers and politicians to avoid prosecution”. One witness warned that cartel “fixers” (handlers) remain at large even after hitmen are arrested, allowing new killers to be recruited. The Big Five is portrayed as a multi‑sector criminal cartel using wealth and influence to sustain a broad criminal portfolio. == Political and business connections ==

The Big Five's activities are closely tied to political and business networks. Matlala and associates allegedly funded political activities in exchange for favours. Testimony revealed Matlala paid millions to help cover (African National Congress) ANC event expenses, via his associate Brown Mogotsi, and that in return Mchunu's circle helped cancel a police task-team probing cartel cases. Khumalo said the cartel “bankrolled politicians” and placed loyalists in government to shield its interests. One of the examples is Matlala's company Medicare24 won a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health-services contract in 2024; the contract was later rescinded amid corruption probes. Matlala gained prominence by securing numerous lucrative government tenders, a phenomenon often termed tenderpreneurship. High‑level officials have been drawn into the scandal. Former Police Minister Bheki Cele admitted meeting Matlala and even staying at Matlala's Pretoria penthouse in late 2024. Khumalo testified that Matlala was in communications with top police figures, including Hawks head Lesetja Senona and Metro deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Text messages recovered from Matlala showed a “clear collaboration between Matlala, members of the SAPS, high-level politicians and businesspeople, such as Brown Mogotsi”. One WhatsApp exchange even involved Lesetja Senona and police minister Senzo Mchunu regarding disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). == Timeline of key events ==

• 2021: Whistleblower Babita Deokaran, head of Gauteng health's anti‑corruption unit, exposed irregular contracts at Tembisa Hospital linked to Matlala's firms. Deokaran was murdered in August 2021. Police and SIU probes trace millions in hospital spending to Matlala's companies. • 2023: Matlala's companies win further government contracts. His company, Medicare24 Tshwane District is later found to have secured a R360m SAPS deal. • July 2025: KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi holds a press briefing accusing Minister Mchunu of interfering with anti‑cartel investigations; he files a criminal complaint. • Sept 2025: President Ramaphosa establishes the Madlanga Commission. Hearings begin 17 Sept 2025 with Mkhwanazi (claims of political interference) and Fannie Masemola (SAPS commissioner). On 29 Sept 2025 Khumalo testifies that Matlala and Molefe are part of the Big Five syndicate. He describes the cartel's crimes and links to politicians. Matlala's bail application is denied on 17 Sept, and he remains in custody. • Oct 2025: On 22 Oct, media report that Molefe was controversially granted bail after an alleged R2.5 million bribe to court officials. On 23 Oct, in-camera testimony by a detective (“Witness B”) outlines the Big Five's hierarchy: naming Jonathan Msibi as “president” and detailing the cartel's structure. In parallel, parliamentary hearings reveal former Police Minister Bheki Cele met Matlala (admitting he stayed in Matlala's penthouse) and that Matlala had offered to fund political projects. == Investigations and allegations ==

The Big Five cartel has been the focus of multiple investigations and high‑profile controversies. The Madlanga Commission (established July 2025) explicitly added the "facilitation of organised crime" to its terms of reference after Khumalo’s disclosures. Khumalo’s evidence relies on seized phone records and WhatsApp chats linking Matlala to senior SAPS figures, and was partly heard behind closed doors due to security concerns. Media coverage (News24, TimesLIVE, IOL, Daily Maverick) has amplified the allegations, publishing leaked transcripts and summaries of commission testimony. For example, IOL reported on Khumalo’s claim that Matlala and Molefe headed the Big Five cartel and outlined their corruption tactics. On the legal front, Matlala faces a raft of charges. As of late 2025 he is out on remand, charged with attempted murder (of Tebogo Thobejane), money laundering and fraud. A court found the state’s case against him “water-tight” when refusing bail. Katiso Molefe is detained on multiple murder charges (Swart, Sumbody, Vintos); his successful high‑court bail in October 2025 was described by an investigator as the result of bribery. These cases underscore the cartel’s intersection with violent crime and the justice system. == See also ==