WATCH: Big five cartel exposed – Molefe and Cat named as kingpins in crime empire

Accused criminal kingpins Katiso Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala have been identified as key figures in a powerful organised crime cartel known as the “Big Five,” the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.

Police Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo testified on Day 8 of the hearings, which are probing alleged criminal infiltration of the justice system.

He said the cartel was highly sophisticated, had infiltrated the political arena, and ran operations both nationally and internationally.

[WATCH] Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo says Vusimuzi Matlala and Katiso Molefe have been identified as part of a cartel dubbed the ‘Big 5’. He adds that while three suspects cannot yet be named, the syndicate operates in drug trafficking, car hijackings, and… pic.twitter.com/6ejl9qBZxo

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 29, 2025

The cartel’s main commodity is drug trafficking, supported by contract killings linked to the drug trade.

Dumisani said it is also involved in cross-border vehicle hijacking, kidnappings, tender fraud and extortion. Gauteng serves as the cartel’s headquarters, while KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape are key transport nodes due to their port cities.

DAY 8 | Khumalo says that the crime syndicates, which are below the level of cartels, are increasing their network, which would be based on a local level, up to an international stage.

He further explains that amongst these cartels, which are made up of different syndicates,… pic.twitter.com/sfOfdix0NL

— Madlanga Commission (@MadlangaInquiry) September 29, 2025

Private security companies are allegedly used as fronts, giving members access to firearms and allowing them to blend criminal activities with legitimate businesses. Dumisani explained that syndicates within the cartel typically consist of 10–12 recruited members, with loyalty, history, and the ability to influence law enforcement and prosecutions being highly valued.

Katiso and Vusimuzi were placed at the base of the cartel’s organogram, alongside three still-unidentified senior members. Dumisani said investigations into the other figures are ongoing.

The commissioner revealed he would submit WhatsApp evidence from Vusimuzi’s phone, including conversations with senior police officials and businessmen, allegedly showing efforts to disband the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. The hearings are set to continue on Tuesday.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: WATCH: Thabo Mbeki hails Mkhwanazi for unmasking corruption