Mkhwanazi exposes alleged underworld money link to former Police Minister Bheki Cele

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has been directly linked to a suspicious money transfer involving alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, as revealed in testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating deep-rooted corruption in the police force.

Testifying under oath on Wednesday, KZN Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told MPs that Cele sent Matlala a bank account number—not in Cele’s name—and Matlala then deposited money into that account.

He later sent proof of payment to Cele, who acknowledged receipt.

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

“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.”

The revelation suggested a possible laundering operation involving high-level SAPS figures and organised crime syndicates.

Cele is not alone. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya are also implicated in what Mkhwanazi described as a network of SAPS-linked cartels.

Investigators have identified communications and links between these officials and SAPS insiders who allegedly facilitated illegal operations.

This included members of Crime Intelligence, detectives, forensic units, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

“There are runners and officers working as intermediaries between Sibiya and criminal elements,” Mkhwanazi said.

“We didn’t name all of them—there are too many.”

The web extends to the State Security Agency (SSA).

Mkhwanazi said SSA reports were allegedly used to illegitimately clear Sibiya for appointment—despite red flags raised by the City of Johannesburg and SAPS leadership.

“We need to confirm if the clearance was signed off by the Director-General of SSA, or if someone without authority pushed it through,” he added.

Mkhwanazi said some of the people whom he could not name were still under investigation.

Meanwhile, National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, is expected to also testify before the committee.

Proceedings are expected to continue on Thursday morning. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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