Urgent Investigation Requested into Police Coercion Allegations

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has been urged to conduct an urgent investigation into the police’s political killings task team following serious allegations made by two state witnesses in the attempted murder case against businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala. These witnesses have filed complaints claiming they were coerced, threatened, and intimidated into signing false statements that implicate Matlala.

The two witnesses, funeral parlour owner Peter Phoko and Matlala’s ex-girlfriend, Dora Ledile Papo, allege that their rights were violated during police interrogations. Phoko's testimony is particularly critical, as it challenges Matlala’s defence regarding a payment of R120,000 from his company to the daughter of one of the alleged hitmen, which Matlala claims was a loan for funeral expenses. However, the state argues that this payment is linked to an attempted hit on former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane, who survived a shooting in Johannesburg last October.

Thobejane believes Matlala was involved not only in her attack but also in the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, a Gauteng health official who had raised alarms about tenders awarded to Matlala’s company at Tembisa Hospital.

Phoko, in a detailed affidavit signed on June 3, recounted his terrifying experience. He reported receiving a call from an officer inquiring about a funeral document, followed by a menacing visit from officers the next day. “He requested to meet me to ‘clear something up’,” Phoko stated. The meeting escalated quickly when two unmarked Mercedes-Benz Vianos arrived, carrying officers, some in balaclavas. They interrogated him regarding a burial receipt and threatened him with arrest.

“Korombi and [an officer named only as] Sithole requested me to accompany them to the police station so that I could be placed under arrest and charged with murder, attempted murder and kidnapping,” he said. Although he was not physically assaulted, Phoko described feeling terrified and under immense pressure. “I was threatened verbally, and I was in fear of being arrested for a crime I did not commit,” he added.

Phoko, who struggles with a medical condition affecting his ability to read and write, claimed he signed a false statement under duress. Meanwhile, Papo, who shares a child with Matlala, has made her own allegations against the police. She stated that she was targeted due to her knowledge of Matlala’s personal and business affairs.

In a complaint filed through her legal representatives, KC Reddy Attorneys, Papo accused officers from the Silverton police station of “unlawful, abusive, and unconstitutional conduct.” She alleged that she was “lured to the police station under false pretences” on May 26, believing she was merely providing a statement regarding child maintenance.

During her interrogation, Papo reported that the officers became aggressive, using foul language and making threats. “Soon after the interview started, it became apparent that they were not interested in obtaining a statement from me,” she stated. When she requested legal representation, the officers allegedly responded, “Even if your attorney can come to the station, she would not be allowed to see you.”

Papo described a particularly intimidating moment when officers placed handcuffs on the table in front of her, warning her to comply. They confiscated her phone as "evidence" and dictated a statement to her that included inaccuracies. “I was instructed to sign it, and succumbed to their pressure,” she said. Following her interrogation, Papo was taken home, where officers began interrogating her domestic worker, forcing her to depose an affidavit.

Her legal team has asserted that her constitutional rights were violated and has called on Ipid to take “all appropriate steps” in response to these serious allegations.

During Matlala’s recent appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, the lead investigating officer, Sergeant Hlengiwe Mbele, revealed that Matlala has been arrested at least 11 times, with most charges subsequently withdrawn. His criminal record includes charges for motor vehicle theft, housebreaking, possession of suspected stolen goods, unlawful possession of a firearm, and attempted murder.

Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping expressed her inability to comment on the matter as the complaints could not be located in their records, stating she would only provide further information once the case numbers were received.

As this troubling case unfolds, the demand for accountability and integrity within the police force is more pressing than ever.

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