Former Police Minister Bheki Celehe stated he would only disclose his supposed connections to a businessman and underworld magnate, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, prior to the Madlanga Commission or the Parliament’s ad hoc committee.
Cele addressed the media during the memorial service of the late South African ambassador to France,Nathi Mthethwa, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Friday.
Mthethwa, aged 58, passed away following a fall from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris last month.
During the interview, Cele highlighted that he will only respond to the accusations against him via proper avenues.
“There are two platforms to discuss… I am certain I have been influenced by the Madlanga people, they haven’t extended an invitation to me, but the ad hoc group has, so those are the platforms,” he stated.
This follows a series of surprising remarks presented before the committee by witnesses, including KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who stated that WhatsApp messages from Matlala’s device showed communication with Police Minister Bheki Cele and financial activities dating back to December 2024.
Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, received a R360 million tender for SAPS health risk management.
The agreement was eventually terminated following the discovery of fraudulent activities and failure to fulfill obligations.
Further reports suggest that Cele resided in a high-end Pretoria apartment belonging to Matlala just prior to the contract being finalized.
IOL covered Mkhwanazi’s statement on Wednesday, during which he informed committee members that Cele provided Matlala with a bank account number—not under Cele’s name—and Matlala subsequently transferred funds into that account.
He subsequently provided evidence of payment to Cele, who confirmed that it had been received.
“This goes beyond phone calls. It’s related to money. It’s a crime,” stated Mkhwanazi.
The conversation dates back to 2024. We are monitoring the flow of funds after the deposit—whether it was returned to Cele or went to another party.
Cele is scheduled to testify before the committee to present his version of events.
Meanwhile, Mthethwa’s body has been brought to South Africa from France. He is set to be buried this weekend in KZN.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
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