Cyril Ramaphosa
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele told Parliament that many ANC leaders, including the President, have been seen with Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, a controversial figure with criminal allegations, and clarified that his own interactions with him were limited and professional. He also highlighted the disparity in South Africa.
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele addressed Parliament on crime, prison spending, and his past associations, highlighting systemic issues in South Africa’s criminal justice system and the impact on society.
Cele told the parliamentary committee that South Africa spends R13,000 per prisoner per month, while unemployed or struggling citizens receive only R350. He said the disparity creates conditions where people may find comfort in committing crimes.
“We do not have the special education trust from the government that teaches orphans of police men and women who die in the line of duty when we pay about R13,000 a month for a single prisoner. Those that are innocent get R350. Then it is fine to go to prison. People get comfort from committing crime. I think we need to go back and check the system,” Cele said.
During the session, Cele faced questions about his association with Matlala, a controversial figure linked to criminal activity. ANC member Mdumiseni Ntuli asked whether Cele’s relationship with Matlala could negatively affect the ANC’s reputation.
“Do you not think that your association in whatever kind of acquaintance it assumes, does have a negative impact on the standing of the ANC? Do you not think in a context like that you are contributing indirectly in diminishing the standing of the party by being associated with such characters?” Ntuli asked.
Cele replied that when he met Matlala, he was unaware of his criminal status. “I did not even know he was wanted for the things that are there. By the way, many ANC leaders have been seen with Matlala. I hope you have seen his photo with the President,” he said.
He added, “I guess many people would not know. I repeat, taking what I know now I would not behave as I behaved before I knew who he is and what type of character he is.”
Cele also addressed allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Committee member Khuselo Diko reminded Cele of an incident where Mkhwanazi had made claims against him, which were later withdrawn.
“What did you think or feel when that allegation was made, and do you accept Mkhwanazi’s apology?” Diko asked.
Cele, visibly uncomfortable, wiped his face with a handkerchief and said, “One police officer I like is Mkhwanazi. Not because he is beautiful or anything, but because he knows his work. But Mkhwanazi is a human being like me and you. He has his faults. The South African society has sung him hallelujah, and as a human being you would love to float in the clouds of popularity. Out of that, you begin to make mistakes.”
He continued, “Mkhwanazi said to me, ‘I am sorry, Minister.’ I believe the mistakes he makes are genuine ones. I have not seen him yet. I am planning to see him. As I sit here, I do believe he made a genuine mistake. Yes, you need to be pardoned, but I have not arrived there yet.”
Legal analyst Melusi Xulu told a broadcaster on Friday that it was concerning that Mkhwanazi retracted his allegation that Cele had received money from Matlala. Xulu said the matter involved serious claims that have not been substantiated with evidence.
“It is concerning that such serious allegations are not backed up at this point because there is no proof of a message that Cele requested money from Matlala. There is no proof of payment confirming that money was paid. All we are hearing is that the account number was wrong and the team that analysed the bank account said it does not refer to the former minister. Human beings do make mistakes, but such allegations require verification,” Xulu said.
Cele told the committee that he met Matlala in December 2024 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban after a raid on December 6. The meeting was facilitated by Bongane Mpongose, son of a taxi industry boss, whom Cele referred to as “Manonga.” Matlala had a criminal record and was later killed in a shooting outside a luxury restaurant in Sandton with his two bodyguards.
Cele clarified that while he had met Matlala, he did not know him well. “I knew him for a couple of months and no longer say I knew him very well,” he said. He added that Matlala had met other individuals about funding projects in the campaign of a party member seeking higher office in the ANC.
He emphasised that his relationship with Matlala was limited to meetings. “While I speak with Matlala, Mabonga is part of the facilitation of the meeting. As Mabonga died, I did not have Matlala’s mobile numbers and he did not have mine. One question asked by a journalist was if Matlala is my friend or business partner. I said to the journalist I do not have a friend called Matlala. I do not know his house, wife, he does not know my wife or family. He is an acquaintance because we talk to him about issues,” Cele said.
Cele added that Matlala had been caught in the crossfire between rival police factions and needed assistance at the time of their interaction.
