CAPE TOWN – The spotlight is once again on former Police Minister Bheki Cele as Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged police interference and corruption has officially added him to its list of key witnesses. This follows explosive revelations by News24, which reported that Cele allegedly made ten phone calls in a single day to accused criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The decision to summon Bheki Cele was taken during the committee’s preparatory meeting held on Saturday. Members of the committee agreed that Cele’s potential connection to individuals currently under criminal investigation made his testimony highly relevant to the ongoing probe.
The committee, which was established to examine claims of deep-rooted corruption and political interference within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies, has rapidly moved forward since adopting its terms of reference last month. With preparations intensifying, the inclusion of high-profile figures such as Bheki Cele signals the seriousness with which Parliament is approaching the matter.
Allegations Spark New Scrutiny on Bheki Cele
The inclusion of Bheki Cele as a witness comes in the wake of a News24 investigation that sent shockwaves through political and law enforcement circles. The report alleged that Cele, while serving as Minister of Police, made ten separate phone calls to Matlala — a man facing serious criminal charges and suspected of running an organized crime network.
While the exact content of the calls has not been publicly disclosed, the frequency and timing of the alleged communication have raised significant questions. Committee members were unanimous in their view that Cele’s testimony could provide critical insight into the nature of these alleged interactions.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane confirmed the decision to include Cele in the witness list. “The meeting has agreed to add the name of Bheki Cele to the list of witnesses that we have agreed on. The allegations are serious, and we believe his evidence will be vital to the integrity of this inquiry,” said Lekganyane.
The ad hoc committee has wasted no time in getting to work. Its first key witness, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to appear soon. Mkhwanazi is expected to provide detailed testimony about internal police operations, alleged political meddling, and how criminal networks may have influenced law enforcement decisions.
The committee confirmed that five witnesses have already responded positively to their invitations and are prepared to make formal submissions. The addition of Bheki Cele is expected to intensify media and public interest in the proceedings.
Committee member Ian Cameron, a vocal advocate for police accountability, emphasized the importance of Cele’s inclusion. “It is even more critical after the expose last week regarding Bheki Cele and the alleged calls to Matlala,” said Cameron. “I think that’s very relevant for the first set of people to be called before the committee.”
The parliamentary inquiry comes at a time when public trust in South Africa’s policing system is under severe strain. Repeated allegations of corruption, political interference, and the failure to address high-level organized crime have left many South Africans questioning whether the rule of law is being consistently upheld.
For years, critics have accused certain high-ranking police officials and political figures of having inappropriate ties to criminal syndicates. The allegations involving Bheki Cele — who previously served as National Police Commissioner before his role as Police Minister — have only added fuel to these concerns.
While Cele has not publicly responded to the latest reports, pressure is mounting for him to clarify the nature of his relationship with Matlala and to explain the context behind the alleged phone calls.
The ad hoc committee is expected to hold a series of public hearings, with witness testimonies playing a crucial role in shaping its final findings. Legal experts, law enforcement officers, and civil society organizations are also expected to contribute to the process.
As the committee’s work gains momentum, its findings could have far-reaching implications — potentially leading to disciplinary action, policy reform, or even criminal prosecution, depending on the evidence presented.
The inclusion of Bheki Cele in the witness lineup reflects the committee’s intention to leave no stone unturned. Whether his testimony will clarify or complicate matters remains to be seen, but his appearance is likely to be one of the most closely watched developments in the inquiry.
With national media outlets already covering the inquiry extensively, the decision to summon Bheki Cele ensures that public attention will remain focused on Parliament’s efforts to root out corruption within the police service. For many South Africans, this inquiry represents a long-overdue step toward restoring confidence in the country’s justice system.
Source- EWN
