The name of the late former Deputy President of South Africa, David “The Cat” Mabuza, has unexpectedly surfaced during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, following revelations linked to cellphone chat records presented before the inquiry.
According to testimony, investigators downloaded and analysed chat records belonging to Fanie Nkosi, who is appearing before the commission as Witness F. During this process, a contact saved on Nkosi’s phone as “Deputy President DD Mabuza” raised serious questions and drew the attention of legal representatives and commissioners.
Nkosi clarified under oath that the individual saved under that name was not the former deputy president himself, but rather Siphiwe Mabuza, whom Nkosi identified as a nephew of David Mabuza. Nkosi stated that Siphiwe Mabuza allegedly used the name “DD Mabuza” as a contact identifier, a move that has since become a focal point of interest during the hearings.
Witness F told the commission that the individual behind the “DD Mabuza” contact proposed the sale of 750 firearms. According to Nkosi’s testimony, the firearms were allegedly offered at R15,500 per unit, bringing the total proposed transaction to approximately R11.6 million. Nkosi emphasized that this was presented to him as a serious business proposal rather than a casual conversation.
However, Nkosi insisted that before any transaction could proceed, he wanted to physically inspect and test the firearms. He told the commission that he was not willing to move forward based on promises alone and required proof that the weapons existed and were functional.
Adding an unusual layer to the testimony, Nkosi revealed that the “DD Mabuza” contact had assigned him the nickname “007” in their communications. Nkosi said he did not understand the reference and claimed he was unfamiliar with the James Bond film franchise or its characters. This statement prompted visible reactions in the hearing room and drew further questioning from commission members.
Legal counsel Advocate Matthew Chaskalson questioned Nkosi on the significance of the nickname, asking whether he understood that in the James Bond movies, “00” agents are licensed to kill. Nkosi responded that he had no knowledge of this cultural reference and denied any intention or understanding behind the nickname.
It also emerged during testimony that another individual, Vusi Matlala, had allegedly nicknamed Nkosi “00” as well. Nkosi maintained that he did not interpret these nicknames as symbolic or threatening, reiterating that he was unaware of their popular meaning.
The commission then heard that when the “DD Mabuza” contact later arranged a meeting with Nkosi, Nkosi chose not to attend alone. Instead, he invited Steven Motsumi to accompany him. This detail drew particular interest, given recent testimony involving Motsumi.
Steven Motsumi is the same individual who was mentioned in earlier hearings and was described as someone feared by General Senona, a revelation that surfaced during testimony the previous week. Nkosi did not elaborate extensively on the reasons for inviting Motsumi but suggested that his presence was meant to provide support and oversight during the proposed engagement.
The Madlanga Commission has been tasked with investigating serious allegations related to criminal networks, corruption, and the abuse of state resources. Commissioners have stressed that the appearance of prominent political names in testimonies does not automatically imply guilt, and that all evidence must be carefully examined and verified.
Importantly, the commission has not made any findings linking the late David Mabuza to the alleged firearms proposal. Nkosi’s testimony consistently pointed to Siphiwe Mabuza as the individual involved in the communications, and the commission continues to assess the credibility and implications of this claim.
As proceedings continue, the commission is expected to call additional witnesses and examine further digital evidence to establish the full context behind the communications and alleged firearm dealings. The revelations have nonetheless sparked public interest, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the claims and the prominent names referenced during testimony.
The Madlanga Commission remains ongoing, and its final report is expected to shed more light on the networks and individuals implicated in the evidence presented thus far.
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