WATCH | ‘We are not friends!’ – Cele’s fiery response shakes committee

Cele

Cape Town – A tense exchange erupted in Parliament on Thursday when former police minister Bheki Cele and civil rights activist Ian Cameron faced off during an ad hoc committee sitting on alleged misconduct within the South African Police Service.

The confrontation began when Cameron questioned Cele about his relationship with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose company was previously linked to a multimillion-rand police health tender that was later cancelled.

Cameron pressed Cele on whether he had received favours from Matlala, including accommodation at a luxury Pretoria penthouse. Cele, visibly irritated, fired back: “I’m not a friend to Matlala. I met Matlala in December. He’s an acquaintance — we are not friends.”

When Cameron reminded Cele of his earlier claim that he did not know Matlala personally, the former minister responded: “Yes, I stayed there, but it was offered to me — I didn’t pay for it.”

The exchange escalated when Cameron tried to interrupt Cele mid-response. Cele turned sharply towards him and said, “It’s his turn to tell me to shut up this time,” drawing murmurs and laughter across the room.

Cameron countered by questioning Cele’s record as national police commissioner, pointing out that he had previously been dismissed for misconduct.

“You were removed as commissioner — how do you sit here proud of that record?,” he asked.

Cele remained defiant, saying his conscience was clear and that his leadership had been guided by service to the people.

“I have done my job with honesty. I have faced worse than you, and I will not be intimidated,” he said.

The committee is investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within SAPS, including claims initially made by provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Mkhwanazi had withdrawn his earlier accusations against Cele and would be issuing a written apology.

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