KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has retracted a serious allegation made against former Police Minister Bheki Cele. This reversal comes in the midst of Parliament’s inquiry into corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Background: A High-Stakes Allegation Withdrawn
Earlier this year, Mkhwanazi accused Cele of being involved in secret financial dealings with alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He claimed that Cele had provided bank account details to Matlala, which were then used for questionable transactions.
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However, during a session before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, the committee’s evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse SC, confirmed a retraction.
“The team that was working on the analysis got the bank account number wrong and that’s it, not a reference to you [Cele],” said Arendse, reading from a message sent by Mkhwanazi.
“The allegation is withdrawn with apologies from Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi for any inconvenience or hurt caused.”
Bheki Cele Responds to the Withdrawal
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele responded calmly to the retraction. He said he was surprised by the initial allegation and welcomed the apology.
“Okay,” Cele replied, according to reports from the hearing.
“I was surprised by the allegations because that was not true.”
Cele admitted that he knew Matlala but denied having any business relationship with him.
Mkhwanazi Retracts Allegations: But Not the Whole Story
While the bank account claim has been retracted, the broader allegations made by Mkhwanazi remain untested. These include:
- Alleged political interference in SAPS investigations
- Claims of a corrupt network involving senior SAPS officials
- References to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya
These matters are still under investigation by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s oversight committees.
“This is not just about phone calls. It’s about money. It’s criminal,” Mkhwanazi previously stated.
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Implications for SAPS and Public Confidence
President Cyril Ramaphosa previously described the allegations as serious, but emphasised that they were untested.
“It is necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible process to restore public trust,” he said.
The credibility of SAPS leadership is under the spotlight. Even with this retraction, public confidence remains fragile.
Watch Ad Hoc Committee
Parliamentary Oversight and Legal Next Steps
Although Mkhwanazi’s withdrawal was communicated via text, MPs have called for a formal, sworn retraction. Parliament may require Mkhwanazi to appear again to confirm the withdrawal under oath.
The ad hoc committee will continue its work, and Cele is still being questioned in relation to other matters raised during the inquiry.
A Partial Closure, but Questions Remain
The fact that Mkhwanazi retracts allegations against Cele has brought some clarity. However, it has not resolved the wider claims of corruption and political interference within SAPS.
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As investigations continue, the country watches closely. Public institutions, particularly SAPS, must uphold transparency and accountability. This retraction may slow the momentum of the inquiry, but it certainly won’t stop it.
