Pretoria – Former police minister Bheki Cele has been implicated in a suspicious money transfer involving alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, according to testimony by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on police corruption.
Cele allegedly provided Matlala with a bank account not in his name, received proof of payment, and acknowledged receipt.
Investigators are tracking the money, suggesting possible laundering linked to senior SAPS officials and organised crime.
“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.”
WATCH | Lt Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says former Police Minister General Bheki Cele sent Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala a message with a bank account, and Matlala sent proof of payment to Cele from a different account, indicating a money trail. pic.twitter.com/uJjW8CsL7U
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 8, 2025
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya are also implicated, with evidence of a network involving SAPS insiders, Crime Intelligence, forensic units, and the DPCI.
The State Security Agency (SSA) may have been used to illegitimately clear Sibiya for appointment despite prior red flags.
Investigations are ongoing, and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to testify next.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
