Cape Town – Alleged murder suspect Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala delivered explosive testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
He accused former Police Minister Bheki Cele of soliciting a R1-million bribe to stop police raids against him, claiming he paid R500,000 in two cash instalments hidden in Woolworths bags.
Matlala also implicated First National Bank, saying it should be charged with money laundering for allowing a R300,000 cash withdrawal allegedly used for the bribe.
“If it is money laundering, then why did FNB allow us to withdraw the money? Maybe they should also be charged for allowing us to do that.”
Cat Matlala say FNB must be charged for alleged money laundering if withdrawing for a bribe is considered money laundering #AdHocCommittee #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/Jx9ARfmwQF
— Khen-si (@nkhensanimahway) November 27, 2025
“I sent my sister to withdraw the money on my behalf, then I went to the bank to pick it up from my sister and walked back with the money in a Woolworths bag to my penthouse,” Matlala recounted during Thursday’s hearing.
His claims contradict Cele’s denials and add to allegations that senior politicians and police officials sabotaged investigations to protect criminal networks, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Matlala further testified that Cele stayed at his Menlyn penthouse, suggesting a close relationship.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@CrimeWatch_RSA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
