The Madlanga Commission has heard testimony from Witness F detailing an alleged arms deal involving Siphiwe Mabuza, described as a nephew of the late former Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza.

Testifying partially in-camera from a secret location on Tuesday, Witness F confirmed the WhatsApp messages between himself and Siphiwe relating to the potential sale of a number of firearms.

The testimony by Witness F placed him at a corner after commissioners asked him about a large weapons consignment and easy access of all the items.

Witness F, working at Gauteng Organised Crime, told the commission he had previously acted as a money collector between alleged cartel leader, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Shadrack Sibiya.

That role, he said, later overlapped with communications involving the alleged arms deal.

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson read a message sent by Siphiwe to Witness F offering weapons for sale: “Hey brother – do you have a market for a compact CQC (Close Quarter Combat) 12 gauge shotgun, manufactured in South Africa.

“I have access to 750 units in knock down component form ready for shipping with matching flash bang ammo at family price.”

Witness F replied, “I need to see and test,” but told the inquiry he never tested the firearms and the deal did not proceed.

The commission also heard that a WhatsApp contact saved on Witness F’s phone as “Comrade DD Mabuza Deputy President” had been involved in discussions about firearms.

Witness F denied the number belonged to the former deputy president, insisting it was his nephew using his uncle’s name.

“I saved him the way he portrayed his uncle DD Mabuza. I saw it fit to save it like that, DD Mabuza at that particular time,” Witness F testified.

The Madlanga Commission continues.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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