Durban – Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has stated that he will only address allegations of his ties to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala before the Madlanga Commission or Parliament’s ad hoc committee. Cele made these remarks to the media on Friday, on the sidelines of the memorial service for the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, held in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Mthethwa, aged 58, tragically died last month after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.
During the interview, Cele was adamant that he would only address the allegations through the appropriate channels. "There are two platforms to talk about that… I am sure I have been touched by Madlanga people, they haven’t invited me, but the ad hoc has invited, so those are the platforms," he stated.
Cele's decision to address the allegations before these bodies follows a series of explosive statements made before the parliamentary committee by various witnesses. Among them was KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose testimony has brought the alleged relationship between Cele and Matlala into sharp focus.
Mkhwanazi claimed that WhatsApp messages retrieved from Matlala's phone revealed extensive correspondence with Cele, and, more significantly, evidence of financial transactions dating back to December 2024. These allegations centre around a R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) health risk management tender awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. The contract was subsequently cancelled after investigators uncovered evidence of fraud and non-performance.
According to Mkhwanazi, the WhatsApp messages contained more than just casual communication. He testified that Cele allegedly sent Matlala a bank account number – crucially, not in Cele’s name – and that Matlala then deposited money into that account. Proof of payment was then sent to Cele, who allegedly acknowledged receipt.
"This is not just about phone calls. It's about money. It’s criminal," Mkhwanazi asserted during his testimony. He added that the investigation was actively tracking the flow of funds following the deposit. "The communication dates back to 2024. We are tracking where the money went after the deposit—whether it returned to Cele or reached someone else."
Further complicating matters, reports have emerged claiming that Cele resided in a luxury Pretoria apartment owned by Matlala in the period leading up to the approval of the lucrative SAPS contract. This detail has fuelled further speculation about the nature of the relationship between the former Police Minister and the businessman.
The allegations against Cele are severe and raise serious questions about potential corruption and abuse of power within the SAPS. The parliamentary committee is expected to delve deeply into the evidence presented by Mkhwanazi and other witnesses, and Cele's appearance before the committee is eagerly anticipated. It is expected that Cele will be given the opportunity to provide his version of events and respond to the accusations levelled against him.
The Madlanga Commission, although it has not yet formally invited Cele to appear, also represents a potential avenue for further scrutiny of the allegations. The commission, which is investigating various matters related to state capture and corruption, could potentially broaden its scope to include the claims made against Cele if deemed relevant to its mandate.
The unfolding saga surrounding Cele and Matlala has cast a long shadow over the former Police Minister's reputation and has raised concerns about the integrity of the SAPS procurement processes. The upcoming hearings before the parliamentary committee and the potential involvement of the Madlanga Commission are set to be closely watched as the truth behind these allegations is sought. The public will be keen to hear Cele's explanation and to see whether the investigation uncovers further evidence of wrongdoing.
Follow Us on Twitter
