Parliament Finds No Evidence Linking Bheki Cele To Vusi Matlala Payments

Claims of shadowy money trails and political influence once again took centre stage in Parliament this week, but investigators delivered a clear message on one key point. There is, at present, no evidence that former police minister Bheki Cele received money from controversial businessman Vusi Matlala, widely known as “Cat”.

That assurance was given during testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing criminality within South Africa’s justice system. The inquiry has become one of the most closely watched processes in recent months, as the country grapples with public concern over organised crime, corruption and political interference.

What Parliament Was Told

Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo addressed MPs directly when questioned about possible financial links between Cele and Matlala.

His response was unambiguous. Investigators had identified numerous money exchanges involving Matlala and other individuals, but none involving the former police minister.

Khumalo told the committee that despite extensive probing, nothing had surfaced to suggest Cele benefited financially from Matlala in any form.

Why Money Trails Are Hard To Follow

Khumalo also acknowledged a reality familiar to investigators in organised crime cases. Not all transactions leave an electronic footprint.

Cash payments, he explained, are often used specifically to avoid detection. Even so, Crime Intelligence actively tracks these patterns and follows up on physical cash movements where possible.

Despite those efforts, Khumalo said no evidence had emerged linking Cele to any cash or indirect financial exchange tied to Matlala.

The Broader Context Of The Inquiry

The committee’s work sits against a backdrop of deep public frustration in South Africa. Allegations of cartel activity, compromised institutions and political protection have repeatedly surfaced over the past decade, eroding trust in the criminal justice system.

Vusi Matlala has been a recurring name in those conversations, often linked to claims of organised crime and undue influence. Former ministers and senior officials have also faced growing scrutiny, with Parliament under pressure to show that no one is beyond investigation.

In this climate, the absence of evidence is significant, even if it does not end speculation entirely.

What Happens Next

Parliament’s inquiry is far from over. More testimony from law enforcement and intelligence officials is expected in the coming days, as MPs continue to examine how criminal networks operate and whether political figures have played any role in enabling them.

For now, however, the record before Parliament is clear on one point. Investigators have found no proof of any money exchange between Bheki Cele and Vusi “Cat” Matlala, despite a wider net being cast over Matlala’s financial dealings.

As the hearings continue, South Africans will be watching closely to see whether further evidence reshapes the narrative or confirms what Parliament has been told so far.

{Source:The South African}

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