Former police minister Bheki Cele is facing renewed scrutiny after reports revealed he made 10 calls to tender boss Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala just days before the collapse of Matlala’s multimillion-rand police contract and his subsequent arrest.
According to News24, Cele tried to reach Matlala on 9 May, but the businessman rejected or ignored every call. At the time, Matlala was threatening to take the police to court if they cancelled his R360-million health and risk services contract. The deal was ultimately scrapped, and Matlala was later arrested in connection with the 2023 attempted murder of his ex-lover, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Evidence of a Closer Connection
Records reveal that Cele and Matlala had exchanged more than 100 calls and messages over time, despite Cele insisting they were not friends or business partners.
When pressed about the communication, Cele admitted he attempted to meet Matlala but snapped at reporters:
“I know him, but friends, no… You are not a commission.”
Further controversy emerged when reports confirmed Cele stayed twice in Matlala’s luxury penthouse at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria. Matlala had personally arranged access, describing Cele as his “friend and business partner.” Cele acknowledged using the apartment but denied any business ties.
The Dubious SAPS Contract
Matlala’s company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, secured the lucrative SAPS contract in 2022, beating out established insurance firms. The contract, awarded a week after Cele left office, was cancelled amid findings of fraud, fronting and poor performance.
By then, Matlala was already under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks over suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital — irregularities first flagged by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
Criminal Underworld Links
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, described Matlala as an “underworld figure” who had captured police leaders through influence and connections.
Matlala is currently in jail facing charges of attempted murder, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice. He has also been linked to the attempted killings of businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.
A Shadow Over Cele’s Legacy
While Cele continues to deny any improper relationship, the records of repeated communication and personal stays in Matlala’s penthouse raise difficult questions about political influence, policing integrity and corruption within the state.
With Matlala now behind bars, investigators are expected to further probe the extent of his ties to senior police and political figures.
