‘Who Is the Biggest Liar?’
By Chris Williams
Cape Town, South Africa –
A fiery clash unfolded in Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee as MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe grilled suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, asking point-blank who was the greater liar between him and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, amid revelations of financial ties and denials of wrongdoing.
This heated exchange, which took place during Mkhwanazi’s testimony on 4 December 2025, highlighted deep suspicions of corruption and criminal links in law enforcement, leaving the room tense as questions about honesty and hidden dealings flew back and forth.
The Water Question and Signs of Nervousness
The drama kicked off with what seemed like a light question from Shongwe: “How many liters of water do you drink per day?” Mkhwanazi replied, “I drink a lot, especially after COVID. I drink a lot of water.”
This exchange was no random chat – it pointed to Mkhwanazi’s habit of sipping water often during his testimony, which some saw as a sign of nerves or stalling for time.
Shongwe used it to build up to his big punch, probing Mkhwanazi’s credibility under pressure.
Mkhwanazi, testifying before the committee tasked with probing criminal syndicates in policing, faced tough scrutiny over his ties to Matlala.
He admitted Matlala had helped him financially during hard times, including paying money into his bank account.
“No, Matlala assisted me a lot during those times. If it’s from Matlala, I accept,” Mkhwanazi said, explaining how the businessman stepped in when others did not.
But he denied any wrongdoing, saying the help was personal and not linked to corrupt deals.
Shongwe did not let up, calling Matlala “Grootman” – a term of respect for an elder in township slang – which drew criticism from other MPs like Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi.
Zibi called it problematic, saying it showed sympathy for a man accused of serious crimes, including attempted murder.
This slip added fuel to the fire, making the hearing feel like a showdown between political rivals.
The Core of the Liar Accusation
The peak came when Shongwe asked directly: “Who is the greatest liar between you and Cat Matlala?” This cut to the heart of the matter, as Mkhwanazi and Matlala’s stories clashed on key points.
Mkhwanazi admitted receiving help from Matlala but denied deeper ties, like authorising blue lights for his vehicles or meeting him for shady deals.
Matlala, testifying from prison, claimed he paid former minister Bheki Cele R500,000 and met Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about a R360 million tender, calling out lies in the process.
Mkhwanazi hit back, saying Matlala’s claims were “a total lie” and expressing worries about the truthfulness of testimonies.
He maintained his innocence, saying he only knew Matlala through help during tough times post-COVID, not corrupt schemes.
The committee heard how Matlala seemed to get special treatment, like unsigned statements, which MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo called out as unfair.
This back-and-forth ties into bigger claims from KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who sparked the committee by alleging syndicates in policing, including ties to Matlala.
Mkhwanazi refused to meet Matlala, citing ongoing probes, while Matlala unleashed allegations against Cele and others from his cell at Kgosi Mampuru II.
Mkhwanazi’s Ties to Matlala Under Scrutiny
The hearing dug deep into Mkhwanazi’s relationship with Matlala, a man facing attempted murder charges and linked to blue-lights scandals.
Mkhwanazi admitted Matlala assisted him financially, including payments into his account for entities listed in probes.
“All of them are from Mr Matlala,” he said, but insisted it was clean help, not bribes. He denied meeting Matlala for tenders or assisting with illegal perks, calling out lies in Matlala’s story.
Shongwe’s “Grootman” reference drew fire, with Zibi slamming it as too cosy for someone probing serious claims. It hinted at sympathy, avoiding a deeper dive that could expose more.
Other MPs, like EFF’s Julius Malema, questioned Matlala on firearms and meetings, uncovering lies like who collected guns – Matlala said he did, but evidence pointed to a woman.
Links to Broader Corruption Probes
This exchange fits into wider investigations, like the Madlanga Commission on Ekurhuleni police irregularities
. Witnesses there, like Brown Mogotsi, shared attempts on their lives and claims of Mkhwanazi’s involvement in cover-ups.
Mogotsi said he came to help but faced lies about his actions, insisting on his truth.
The committee also heard from former IPID head Robert McBride, questioned by Shongwe on ties to Mkhwanazi and corruption.
McBride praised some work but pressed on issues, showing the web of accusations linking police, politics and crime bosses like Matlala.
Matlala’s claims from prison – paying Cele R500K and meeting Mkhwanazi on tenders – add twists, with someone lying in the mix. So far, no direct proof ties them, but the hearings aim to uncover truths.
What This Means for South African Politics
This clash shows the high stakes in fighting corruption, where personal attacks mix with serious probes. For the MK Party and EFF, it is a chance to expose flaws, but slips like Shongwe’s “Grootman” raise bias questions.
Mkhwanazi’s admissions could hurt his standing, while Matlala’s jail testimony keeps the spotlight on him.
For everyday people, it is about trust in leaders and police. If ties like these go unchecked, it hurts faith in the system.
The committee’s work could lead to reforms, cleaning up policing and holding the powerful accountable.
As hearings go on, more revelations could come, shaping politics and justice in South Africa.
The “biggest liar” question hangs in the air, pushing for truth in a web of claims and counter-claims.
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