WATCH | ‘Don’t ask me here!’ — Cele refuses to discuss explosive ‘Cat’ Matlala claims

Cele

Johannesburg – Former police minister Bheki Cele says he will only address allegations of ties to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala before the Madlanga Commission or Parliament’s ad hoc committee.

Cele spoke on Thursday, on the sidelines of the memorial of late SA ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, who recently died in Paris.

The allegations stem from committee testimony, including that of KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed WhatsApp messages and financial transactions between Matlala and Cele dating back to December 2024.

According to IOL, Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, received a R360 million SAPS health tender, later cancelled for fraud and non-performance.

Reports also suggest Cele stayed in a luxury apartment owned by Matlala before the contract was approved, the report said.

Mkhwanazi alleged Cele provided a bank account (not in his name) for Matlala to deposit money, with Cele later acknowledging receipt—raising potential criminal implications.

“This is not just about phone calls. It’s about money. It’s criminal,” said Mkhwanazi on Wednesday.

“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.”

Cele is expected to appear before the committee to respond.

Speaking during an interview with Newroom Afrika,Cele stressed that he would respond to the allegations only through formal and authorised platforms.

“There are two platforms to talk about that, and this one is not one of them… I am sure I have been touched by Madlanga people. I guess they will be inviting me – they haven’t invited me, but the ad hoc has invited. So those are the platforms. I know that your channel should be there, come and hear there… you are not one of those platforms at the present moment ,” he said.

Article written by