Mike van Wyk's absence from Madlanga Commission highlights security and mining sector friction

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson SC proceeded by reading relevant documents, revealing Van Wyk's past association with mining boss George van der Merwe, former general manager at Optimum Coal Mine. While Van der Merwe was not accused of wrongdoing, his name highlighted friction in the mining sector overlapping with private security. The commission also heard about a video allegedly sent by Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala to Van Wyk, which Chaskalson suggested indicated drug dealings.

Matlala, facing criminal charges and accusations of being part of a drug cartel, is central to the commission's investigation into the infiltration of law enforcement. Van Wyk and Matlala were involved in private security, with Van Wyk previously heading Anubis Protection Services. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi testified about accepting money from Matlala and Van Wyk communicating on Matlala's behalf, linking to Anubis.

A memorandum of understanding suggested Van Wyk sought EMPD privileges for his companies, Medicare 24 and Anubis. Van Wyk's previous business relations with Van der Merwe involved Close Protection Services, which Van Wyk terminated. A video shown at the commission depicted Van Wyk introducing Mkhwanazi to "George," la