Bheki Cele Accused of Extortion by ‘Cat’ Matlala

Key Takeaways:

• Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, an awaiting-trial prisoner, testified before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating accusations of a drug trafficking cartel infiltrating South Africa’s criminal justice system.
• Matlala denied being part of a crime cartel known as the Big Five and faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
• He testified about his relationships with high-ranking police officials, including former police minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
• Matlala alleged that he made payments to Cele and claimed that Cele was an "extortionist".
• The committee also investigated the awarding of a R360-million police contract to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, which was subsequently cancelled.
• Matlala’s testimony revealed a complex web of corruption and deceit, with multiple players and motivations.

Introduction to the Testimony
Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, a central figure in South Africa’s law enforcement scandal, continued his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday, 27 November. Matlala, who faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice, appeared before the committee at Pretoria’s Kgosi Mampuru Prison, where he is incarcerated. The committee is investigating accusations that a drug trafficking cartel has infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system, and political and private security sectors. Matlala’s testimony was marked by revelations about his relationships with high-ranking police officials, including former police minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The Missing Friend and Kidnapping Allegations
Matlala was asked to address the mother of a friend, Jerry Boshoga, who was reported as kidnapped last year and is still missing. Matlala denied any involvement in the kidnapping and claimed that Boshoga was like a "young brother" to him. He also delivered a message to Boshoga’s kidnappers, asking them to release him due to his diabetic condition. Matlala testified that he had lent Boshoga R1-million, which was meant for cattle farming, and that Boshoga still owed him R100,000. The committee also heard about a police raid at Matlala’s home in Pretoria, where he was asked about Boshoga’s kidnapping. Matlala claimed that he was not involved in the kidnapping and that he had been misled by those who had put him in jail.

Corruption and Bribery Allegations
Matlala’s testimony also revealed allegations of corruption and bribery involving high-ranking police officials. He claimed that former police minister Bheki Cele had asked him for R1-million, which he had paid in two installments of R300,000 and R200,000. Matlala alleged that Cele was an "extortionist" and that he had made the payments to avoid harassment from the police. The committee also heard about a meeting between Matlala and Cele at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, where the second payment was made. Matlala denied allegations that he and Cele had met at least four times at a venue in Menlyn, Pretoria, where they received manicures.

The Police Contract and Fronting Allegations
The committee also investigated the awarding of a R360-million police contract to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, which was subsequently cancelled. Matlala claimed that he had transferred the ownership of the company to his sister to avoid tarnishing the company’s image due to the allegations against him. However, the committee heard that Matlala had retained his shares in the company, leading to allegations of fronting. Matlala denied these allegations, claiming that his sister was a legitimate owner of the company and that he had only transferred the ownership to protect the company’s reputation.

Personal Background and Motivations
Matlala’s testimony also revealed details about his personal background and motivations. He claimed that he had grown up as a "street kid" after his mother, who had albinism, was raped and abandoned him. Matlala said that he had to take care of himself from a young age and that this experience had shaped his worldview. He also claimed that he had built relationships with high-ranking police officials to protect himself and his business interests. However, the committee heard that Matlala’s background was marked by multiple criminal cases, including a conviction for residential robbery in 2001.

Conclusion and Next Steps
Matlala’s testimony concluded on Thursday evening, but the committee’s investigation is ongoing. The committee will continue to hear testimony from other witnesses, including KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona, who is set to testify in January. The investigation has revealed a complex web of corruption and deceit, with multiple players and motivations. The committee’s findings will be crucial in uncovering the truth behind the allegations and in holding those responsible accountable. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Matlala’s testimony has only scratched the surface of a much larger problem, and that further investigation is needed to uncover the full extent of the corruption and deceit.