BREAKING NEWS : CELE SHOCKS PARLIAMENT WITH MCHUNU PRESIDENTIAL BIT FUNDING ALLEGEDLY BY CAT MATLALA
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele dropped a bombshell before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, revealing that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told him suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu sought funding for his presidential campaign. This explosive testimony unfolds amid intense investigations into alleged political interference and corruption within South Africa’s police service – probes sparked by accusations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Cele recounted meeting Matlala for the first time last year at Durban’s posh Beverly Hills Hotel. “I didn’t know him before that meeting,” Cele said. “I would normally have heard about such people, especially given my engagements in places like Umlazi… But Matlala flew under the radar”. Matlala, facing serious charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering linked to the October 2023 shooting of ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane, raised two critical issues with Cele.
Matlala told Cele that Minister Senzo Mchunu wanted his financial support for a future presidential bid. Cele didn’t seek specifics, stating it was a matter of interest as a senior ANC NEC member.
Matlala claimed a politically motivated early-morning Special Task Force raid on his residence – allegedly on false drug-related charges – aimed to disrupt him.
Cele stressed he hadn’t known Matlala previously; their meeting was arranged by Bongani Mpungose. Cele denied receiving offers or stakes from Matlala.
Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied ever meeting Matlala, labelling allegations “wild” while President Cyril Ramaphosa flagged them as a “grave national security concern” needing top priority attention.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, probing corruption and political interference in SAPS, continues hearings. Matlala remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru correctional centre.
