Calvin Rafadi, a private forensic investigator and crime expert, has resigned from his position at the University of Johannesburg after being linked to alleged drug cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala through testimony at the Madlanga commission.
Rafadi was a research associate at the Gauteng-based university.
“I have recently been mentioned at the Madlanga commission of inquiry by [head of police intelligence] General Dumisani Khumalo and a witness identified as ‘X’,” Rafadi said in a media statement on Monday.
“As you may be aware, the terms of reference of the commission include investigating criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system.
“Prior to my name being disclosed, I had made efforts to caution certain officials against doing so, as I have been involved in a covert operation within the kidnapping task team.
“Despite this, my identity was disclosed publicly without any verification of my role, as clearly recorded in the investigation diary notes.”
Safety and integrity compromised
Rafadi continued: “This has compromised both my safety and professional integrity. I wish to place on record that I was issued with a Notice 3 by the commission, to which I have fully complied and submitted my response addressing all allegations made against me.
“The purpose of this email is to tender my resignation with immediate effect from my role and responsibilities at the University of Johannesburg.
“This decision must not be interpreted as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing in relation to any allegations before the commission.
“Rather, it is a principled decision based on my respect for the academic community and the reputation of the University of Johannesburg.”
Rafadi’s name was thrust into the spotlight in September during testimony at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The commission, taking place at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
WhatsApp message to Matlala
Rafadi’s name was mentioned by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying that the academic sent Matlala a WhatsApp message of an advertised national Hawks head post.
Matlala replied that suspended national deputy police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya had already received the job.
In addition, the national head of crime intelligence, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, said crime intelligence managed to obtain text messages between Rafadi and Matlala.
Witness X took the commission through WhatsApp chats between Rafadi and Matlala, wherein Rafadi asked Matlala for money for petrol, rent, and travel, among others, allegedly in exchange for doing favours for her.
Rafadi said in the text messages to Matlala: “Kopa petrol, kopa rent so that I can focus [I’m asking for petrol money and money for rent so that I can focus].”
