The Nkabinde Enquiry heard testimony on Tuesday about a 2009 plot to kill KwaMaphumulo taxi boss Siphamandla Mhlongo by members of the Cato Manor police unit. Mhlongo, now the taxi association chairperson, shared these details while detained at the time. The case affects Mhlongo, the taxi industry, and KZN police and prosecution officials. It matters now as it highlights alleged police misconduct during an enquiry into Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke’s fitness for office.
Siphamandla Mhlongo gave clear testimony about the events. He said Cato Manor squad members planned to kill him while he was in their custody.
His brother, WS, headed the Hawks in KZN then. WS called Johan Booysen to stop the plot.
The plot used a false claim that Mhlongo took a gun in the police cells. His wife was there when the call happened.
Mhlongo linked Booysen to the events this way:
“It is because Major General Booysen was at the scene when Zondi was killed, and during the trial, it was established that the investigating officer was briefing superiors.”
He added that his brother’s call to Booysen spared his life.
The Nkabinde Enquiry probes Advocate Andrew Chauke’s role as Director of Public Prosecutions. It looks at claims of misconduct and overstepping on Cato Manor cases.
The Cato Manor unit faces heavy links to taxi killings. Reports note police brutality claims from that squad.
Taxi owners say they fear KZN police. Most killings between rival taxi groups stay unsolved.
Key background points include:
- Chauke acted outside his area on organised crime unit cases.
- Enquiry ties to Cato Manor role in taxi violence.
- Testimony builds on prior claims of brutality and fear.
This testimony points to possible Cato Manor misconduct. It comes from Mhlongo’s account, not yet proven.
It may shed light on taxi violence prosecutions. Trust in KZN law enforcement could face questions.
The claims note Booysen’s awareness but stay as testimony only.
| Issue | Testimony Link |
|---|---|
| Plot to kill Mhlongo | Cato Manor detention and false gun claim |
| Booysen’s knowledge | Call from Hawks head and Zondi briefing |
| Broader misconduct | Ties to taxi killings and police fear |
Siphamandla Mhlongo returns to the witness stand on Tuesday. The enquiry into Chauke continues.
These steps follow the ongoing proceedings.
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