Members of the alleged Big Five Cartel. Image: Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
Image: Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Retired Hawks head, Dr Godfrey Lebeya, has denied knowing about the alleged Big Five Cartel or its suspected members, including the late taxi boss, Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi despite evidence placing several prominent names under fire.
Lebeya told the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday that he was unaware of the alleged syndicate and had no knowledge of the criminal activities reportedly associated with Msibi.
The commission has since been shown photographs of people allegedly linked to the cartel, including murder accused Katiso “KT” Molefe, businessmen Ze Nxumalo and Steve Motsumi, alleged criminal Ignatius Mothakathi and the so-called Nyambose Mthethwa.
South Africa - Pretoria - 02 September 2026 - Former National Head of the National Directorate for Priority Crimes (DPCI/Hawks), Lieutenant-General Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, appears before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Itumeleng English / ANAStudio
Lebeya’s evidence is being tested against testimony from senior police officials who have previously raised concerns about some of the individuals.
Former KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona and Crime Intelligence head General Dumisane Khumalo have described some alleged associates of the group as “dangerous”.
The conflicting evidence has placed the focus squarely on whether senior law-enforcement officials had sufficient information about the alleged network and whether investigations into organised crime were properly handled.
Lebeya was also questioned about allegations that he interfered with a Hawks operation targeting Molefe in 2024.
He denied interfering, saying he deployed Hawks officers to verify the arrest operation after receiving a call from a civilian known as Malcom X.
Molefe has been linked to alleged activities involving the cartel, which is said to have been headed by Msibi.
But Lebeya maintained that Msibi was not known to him during his time as Hawks head.
“I have no knowledge of that organised criminal grouping at all, and I even doubt if it is registered as an organised crime project,” Lebeya said.
Lebeya has concluded his testimony before the commission.
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