On 22 June 2026, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System examined WhatsApp messages and a video as part of evidence involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Mike van Wyk, CEO of Medicare24.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson presented WhatsApp exchanges extracted from Matlala’s phone. On 6 April 2025 at 10:25, Matlala forwarded a video to van Wyk that he had received from a third party. The video showed five one-kilogram white bricks branded with the word “Prestige” and a crown logo being weighed.
Following the video, Matlala messaged van Wyk with the instruction: “Get me a good price.” Van Wyk responded with a voice note stating “we’ll go in at 250,” understood in context as R250,000 per kilogram. Further discussions in the chats referenced potential prices up to R350,000.
The bricks were later confirmed through forensic analysis as cocaine. The head of the SAPS Chemistry Section, Brigadier Allen, provided an information note confirming awareness of narcotics branded with “Prestige” and a crown symbol.
Van Wyk disputes receiving the video. In his statement or affidavit before the commission, he claimed he never received this WhatsApp video.
The third party who originally sent the video to Matlala has deposed an affidavit at the commission. Chats between Matlala and this third party, referenced on page 542 of the evidence bundle, show Matlala inquiring about the number of bricks and negotiating prices in the range of R350,000 to R300,000.
This evidence forms part of broader WhatsApp data presented from Matlala’s phone covering exchanges with van Wyk in 2025. A separate set of exchanges between van Wyk and suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi was also referenced during proceedings.
Van Wyk was scheduled to testify on 22 June 2026 but did not appear. His lawyer, Sandy du Plessis, filed an application for postponement citing severe panic attacks that rendered him unfit to take the stand. The commission granted the request.
The Madlanga Commission was established following allegations from a police whistleblower. It is examining corruption in SAPS tenders, alleged infiltration of metro police, and related criminal activities. Matlala faces multiple charges and remains in custody. He has been linked to a controversial R360-million SAPS tender.
Previous testimony and evidence at the commission have detailed van Wyk’s business ties to Matlala through Medicare24 and other entities. This includes alleged involvement in memoranda of understanding with the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, discussions on police appointments, and other transactions.
Evidence leaders submitted that the chat chain demonstrates Matlala and van Wyk dealing in cocaine.
The commission continues to hear evidence on these and related matters involving high-ranking law enforcement figures and associated business networks.
Petty Crimes Including Wheel and Tyre Theft Continue to Affect Vehicle Owners Across South Africa
South Africa experiences high levels of property-related crimes, including theft out of or from motor vehicles. According to South African Police Service (SAPS) data for the third quarter of 2024-2025 (October to December 2024), there were 19,409 reported cases of theft out of or from motor vehicles. This category remains significant despite some quarterly fluctuations.
Vehicle-related thefts form part of broader property crime statistics. SAPS reports indicate that theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles numbered around 7,791 to 10,099 cases in various recent quarters, with daily averages for vehicle thefts cited in multiple periods ranging from approximately 63 to 85 vehicles per day nationally. Gauteng consistently accounts for a large share, such as over 52% of reported vehicle theft cases in Q1 2025 data.
Wheel, Rim, and Tyre Theft as a Specific Concern
Wheel and tyre theft has been documented as a growing issue, particularly in Johannesburg suburbs. Community alerts and reports from 2024 highlighted a massive increase in car wheel theft after dark in areas of the City of Johannesburg. Affected suburbs have included Fairlands, Northriding, Florida, Randpark Ridge, Weltevredenpark, and Honeydew.
Thieves often target wheels and tyres due to demand for parts on the black market. Specific recoveries illustrate the scale: in August 2022, police seized 410 stolen bakkie tyres valued at R3 million in one operation. In June 2022, stolen truck tyres worth an estimated R1.5 million were recovered in Cape Town. Another recovery involved SUV tyres valued at around R700,000.
These thefts frequently involve opportunistic or organized removal of all four wheels, leaving vehicles on blocks or damaged. Bakkies (light trucks) are commonly targeted alongside passenger cars, aligning with broader patterns where Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford models feature prominently in theft statistics.
Broader Context of Petty Crimes
Petty and property crimes extend beyond wheels to include theft from vehicles, housebreaking, and common theft. The Victims of Crime Survey and SAPS data show housebreaking as a leading household crime. In 2024/25 reports, significant numbers of households experienced property crimes.
Theft out of motor vehicles is often opportunistic, with valuables visible from outside being prime targets. Nationally, property-related crimes constitute a notable portion of recorded serious crimes.
Daily Impacts on Innocent People
Vehicle owners face direct financial and practical consequences. Replacing wheels, rims, and tyres costs thousands of rands, with additional expenses for towing, repairs to suspension or body damage from vehicles being left unsupported, and potential insurance deductibles. Business owners relying on bakkies or delivery vehicles for daily operations experience disrupted livelihoods when vehicles are immobilized.
Commuters and families report altered routines due to fear of crime. Statistics South Africa surveys indicate that substantial percentages of households restrict activities: around 31.5% avoid open spaces, 19.9% limit children’s outdoor play, and many feel unsafe after dark (with only about 29-36% reporting feeling safe at night in some data).
Many victims do not report certain petty thefts, believing police action is limited or recovery unlikely. Insurance claims for vehicle parts theft add to administrative burdens. In urban areas like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, repeated incidents contribute to heightened vigilance, such as installing wheel locks, alarms, or parking in secured areas.
Provincial and National Patterns
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape record the highest volumes of vehicle-related crimes. Toyota models, including the Hilux, dominate theft lists, followed by VW Polo Vivo, Ford Ranger, and others, driven by parts demand and cross-border activities.
Hijackings and full vehicle thefts overlap with parts theft, with reports of 50-60+ incidents daily in peak periods, though some quarterly decreases have been noted in contact crimes. Petty crimes compound economic pressures in a country where unemployment and inequality are documented factors in crime discussions.
Responses and Prevention Facts
Vehicle tracking, wheel locks, and improved lighting are cited in security reports as measures owners adopt. Police recoveries demonstrate enforcement efforts, but the volume of incidents indicates ongoing challenges. SAPS quarterly releases track these trends, with property crimes forming part of community-reported data.
Innocent citizens, from daily commuters to small business operators, bear the repeated costs in time, money, and disrupted mobility. A single wheel theft can sideline a vehicle for days, affecting work attendance, school runs, and family logistics across South Africa. These patterns, drawn from official statistics and documented incidents, underscore the pervasive daily reality of such crimes.
Highway Patrol Apprehends Suspect and Recovers Hijacked Vehicle in Dramatic Chase at Nicolway Shopping Centre
Johannesburg, 22 June 2026 – In a swift and coordinated operation, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Highway Patrol successfully arrested one suspect and recovered a vehicle reported hijacked earlier in the day. The incident unfolded at Nicolway Shopping Centre in the afternoon, highlighting the effectiveness of rapid response tactics in combating vehicle hijackings in Gauteng.
According to police reports, Highway Patrol officers spotted a vehicle that matched the description of one circulated in connection with a hijacking incident in the Norwood area. Acting on the intelligence, the officers immediately initiated a pursuit. The suspects, aware of the police presence, attempted to evade capture but eventually brought the vehicle to a stop within the premises of the busy Nicolway Shopping Centre.
As the vehicle halted, approximately five occupants exited hastily and scattered in different directions on foot, seeking to disappear into the surrounding area. Police acted decisively, managing to apprehend one of the individuals during the foot chase. The remaining suspects, however, were able to evade immediate arrest despite the officers’ efforts to contain the situation.
The operation resulted in the full recovery of the hijacked vehicle, which was secured by police at the scene. A search of the vehicle yielded additional evidence in the form of signal jammers, devices commonly associated with sophisticated hijacking syndicates to disrupt tracking systems and communication during criminal activities. These items have been seized for further forensic analysis.
Authorities have emphasised that the search for the outstanding suspects remains active, with dedicated teams following up on leads generated from the incident. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the hijacking, the identities of those involved, and any potential links to broader criminal networks operating in the region.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by vehicle hijackings in urban and suburban areas of Gauteng. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge motorists to remain vigilant, install reliable tracking devices, and report suspicious activities promptly. The successful recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of at least one suspect demonstrate the commitment of the SAPS Highway Patrol to disrupting such crimes and restoring stolen property to rightful owners.
Community members in the vicinity of Nicolway Shopping Centre and Norwood have been asked to cooperate with police by providing any relevant information that could assist in locating the fleeing suspects. No injuries were reported during the pursuit or apprehension, allowing authorities to focus on the investigative aspects without additional complications.
As details emerge, police have indicated that further updates will be provided as the case progresses. This operation underscores the importance of integrated policing strategies that combine intelligence, rapid response, and thorough follow-up in the fight against organised crime.
