Former police minister Bheki Cele has come under renewed scrutiny following his explosive testimony before Parliament on 23 October 2025. Appearing before the ad hoc committee investigating corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, Cele made several candid revelations.
Cele Faces Tough Questions in Parliamentary Probe
In a highly anticipated appearance, Bheki Cele told Parliament that he knows controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala “very well” but denied any relationship with Matlala’s associate, Brown Mogotsi.
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Bheki Cele and the Political Fallout
This development has added a new layer to the ongoing inquiry into covert influence within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The former minister’s testimony revealed behind-the-scenes political machinations that allegedly involved senior police officials and politicians.
Bheki Cele Denies Knowing Mogotsi
“I don’t know Mogotsi, but I know Matlala very well.”
He clarified that he had only heard of Brown Mogotsi through media reports and had never had any direct communication with him. “He is not even on my WhatsApp,” Cele said during the session led by Parliament’s evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse SC.
This statement directly counters earlier claims implicating Cele in a web of political favouritism involving both Matlala and Mogotsi.
Confirmed Meetings with Matlala
While denying any connection with Mogotsi, Cele admitted to having multiple interactions with Matlala. Their first meeting occurred at Durban’s Beverly Hills Hotel shortly after police raided Matlala’s home in December 2024. He explained that the meeting was arranged by Bongani Mpungose, son of KwaZulu-Natal taxi boss Sputla Mpungose.
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Cele also admitted to spending the night at Matlala’s apartment on two occasions and confirmed additional meetings at a Zimbali property linked to “tenderpreneur” Hangwani Maumela.
“That’s how I know Cat, and I wish I had not met him,” Cele confessed to the committee.
Allegations of Political Intrigue
Cele testified that Matlala claimed he was being manipulated in a plot involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Mogotsi. According to Cele, Matlala was allegedly told by Mchunu:
“We will work together so long as you don’t come close to Cele or Zuma.”
This comment, Matlala said, led him to believe he was part of a political scheme he did not understand. These claims have added fuel to existing tensions within ANC power circles.
Alleged False Affidavit Against Crime Intelligence Boss
In a more serious twist, Cele revealed that Matlala confided in him about pressure to file a false affidavit. The document, allegedly written by Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, accused Crime Intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo of theft during a police raid.
The intention, according to Matlala, was to discredit Khumalo and remove him from SAPS.
“He said they must write that so it’s not only the raid but the theft too,” Cele explained.
Khumalo was later arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a move KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi described as politically motivated.
Cele Defends His Record
Despite these revelations, Cele denied interfering in police investigations or shielding Khumalo. He clarified that only the national police commissioner had authority to make operational appointments.
“The minister of police appoints nobody,” he stated firmly.
He also rejected allegations that he helped dissolve the Political Killings Task Team, saying the decision came without his consultation.
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Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
The hearings continue as Parliament seeks to uncover the depth of alleged corruption in SAPS. Cele’s testimony has placed him at the centre of a political and institutional storm.
Mchunu, meanwhile, has denied ever meeting Matlala and Mogotsi together, contradicting parts of Matlala’s account.
