Flamboyant businessman Malcolm X’s name has emerged at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry during questioning of former Hawks boss Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.
The commission was examining Lebeya’s actions after Malcolm X contacted him during a December 2024 police operation at Katiso “KT” Molefe’s Sandhurst mansion.
Evidence leaders presented call records and WhatsApp messages involving former Hawks boss Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya and Malcom X.
Specialized police units were executing an arrest warrant linked to Armand Swart’s killing. Malcolm X contacted Lebeya during the operation, claiming police impersonators were at the property.
He said masked men in unmarked vehicles were falsely posing as police officers. Lebeya responded by sending Hawks officers to verify the operation. The intervention triggered a tense 50 minute standoff between different police units.
The incident has raised questions about Malcolm X’s access to senior law enforcement officials.
Investigators are examining whether his relationship with Lebeya extended beyond intelligence gathering.
Lebeya has denied deliberately interfering with the lawful arrest operation. He maintained that he acted in good faith after receiving information about police impersonation.
Evidence leaders also presented communications between Malcolm X and the former Hawks chief. One WhatsApp message from Malcolm X referenced an underworld linked figure called “King Nyambose.” The message thanked Lebeya for his intervention during the Sandhurst operation.
Lebeya also faced questions about another telephone call from Malcolm X that evening. The three minute call reportedly took place around 10pm after the operation was verified.
The commission questioned Lebeya about why the conversation continued after that verification. The former Hawks chief has maintained that he did nothing improper.
As the commission continues, the evidence has nevertheless placed Malcolm X’s police relationships under increased scrutiny. It has not made final findings against Malcolm X or Lebeya.
The Commission of Inquiry has suspended its public hearings until mid September, with commissioners taking a temporary break before the inquiry enters its final phase. During the recess, legal teams and investigators will continue reviewing evidence and preparing for further testimony when proceedings resume.