KZN Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi retracts secret payment claims against Bheki Cele

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has withdrawn and apologised to former Police Minister Bheki Cele after alleging that he received money from underworld tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

This was revealed by Adv. Norman Arendse SC, evidence leader at the Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing corruption with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to Arendse, he and his team received a text from Mkhwanazi before they had adjourned for a break, informing them that he had withdrawn the claims.

“The allegation is withdrawn with due apologies from Mkhwanazi for any inconvenience or hurt caused,” Arendse told Cele.

The former minister’s response was “okay”. However, he said he was surprised by the allegations because that was not true.

Cele is currently responding to questions at the ad hoc committee.

IOL reported two weeks ago that Mkhwanazi had alleged 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.”

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

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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