Attempted murder-accused and alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has dropped a bombshell, claiming that former Police Minister Bheki Cele received R500,000 from him and lied under oath about their interactions.
Matlala delivered his testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee during a special sitting at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on 26 November 2025. His appearance followed a formal request from the committee for him to provide his version of events, particularly relating to his alleged dealings with senior police officials.
Speaking under tight security, Matlala confirmed that he previously met Cele in KwaZulu-Natal but disputed Cele’s explanation for the meeting. Cele had earlier told the committee that the gathering was arranged so Matlala could meet then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Matlala, however, insisted the meeting had a different goal entirely: facilitating access to KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to assist him with his case.
Matlala further alleged that after his Pretoria home was raided by SAPS early in 2025, he turned to Cele for help — and handed him R500,000. He accused Cele of being dishonest in his parliamentary testimony, saying the former minister “lied under oath” about their relationship.
Security at Kgosi Mampuru II was intensified ahead of the hearing, with the Department of Correctional Services confirming special protection measures, including monitoring of Matlala’s food. His legal team attempted to postpone the testimony, citing poor prison conditions, health concerns and the psychological impact of solitary confinement. Despite this, committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane ruled that Matlala would proceed with testifying.
Matlala also expressed deep scepticism over the immunity offered by the committee, saying he feared investigators might still use his statements against him.
Beyond the allegations against Cele, experts believe Matlala’s testimony could have wider implications. Criminal analyst Chad Thomas previously noted that Matlala — identified by Crime Intelligence boss General Dumisani Khumalo as one of the leaders of the so-called Big Five criminal cartels — may expose additional high-level figures within South Africa’s organised crime networks.
As the hearings continue, the fallout from Matlala’s claims is expected to intensify political, policing and criminal underworld tensions.
