Former police minister Bheki Cele could face criminal prosecution following recommendations contained in a police forensic investigation into alleged benefits he may have received from companies linked to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
According to a report published by the Sunday Times, a 370-page forensic investigation recommended that criminal action be considered against Cele over allegations that he received unlawful “gratification”.
The report allegedly identifies several benefits, including luxury accommodation and cash payments. The allegations have not been tested in court, and Cele has denied receiving money from Matlala.
Investigation Examined Matlala-Linked Companies
The forensic investigation reportedly scrutinised financial records belonging to companies associated with Matlala, including Medicare24 Tshwane District and CAT Protection and Security.
Investigators allegedly identified substantial cash withdrawals around periods when Matlala was said to have met with Cele.
The investigation also examined events surrounding Medicare24’s controversial contract with the South African Police Service.
The company was awarded a three-year health-risk management contract worth approximately R360 million in June 2024, before the SAPS later cancelled the agreement.
Probe Examined Alleged Efforts to Save SAPS Contract
Investigators reportedly considered whether Matlala sought assistance from Cele as efforts were allegedly made to preserve the lucrative SAPS contract.
The financial transactions identified during the investigation were reportedly examined alongside Matlala’s claims about his dealings with the former minister.
The findings have now placed renewed attention on the relationship between the two men and whether Cele benefited from Matlala-linked interests.
Matlala Alleged He Paid Cele R500,000
Matlala previously made serious allegations against Cele while appearing before Parliament‘s ad hoc committee investigating claims of corruption within the police service.
He alleged that he paid Cele cash on two occasions.
According to Matlala’s testimony, the first payment amounted to R300,000, followed by a further R200,000.
Cele has rejected the allegations and denied receiving money from Matlala.
The former minister has also disputed suggestions that he had a close personal relationship with the businessman.
Cele Denied Being Friends With Matlala
During his parliamentary appearance, Cele pushed back strongly against descriptions of Matlala as his friend.
He maintained that their relationship had been mischaracterised and rejected the suggestion that the businessman was a close associate.
The claims surrounding their relationship have nevertheless remained part of the wider investigation into alleged influence and corruption within the police service.
Luxury Pretoria Penthouse Also Under Investigation
The forensic investigation reportedly examined another alleged benefit involving Cele’s use of a luxury penthouse in Pretoria linked to Matlala.
Investigators reportedly obtained a WhatsApp communication in which Matlala allegedly instructed property management to allow Cele to stay at the residence during visits to Pretoria.
Cele has acknowledged using the penthouse without paying for the accommodation.
However, he has reportedly argued that he stayed there as a private citizen rather than in his capacity as a government minister.
Criminal Prosecution Recommendation Raises Stakes
The reported recommendation for criminal prosecution represents a significant escalation in the allegations surrounding Cele and Matlala.
The forensic investigation’s findings will now face further scrutiny as authorities consider whether the evidence supports criminal charges.
Any prosecution would have to establish the allegations through the legal process, and the claims contained in the forensic report have not been proven in court.
For now, Cele continues to deny receiving money from Matlala, while the reported findings have intensified questions over the former police minister’s alleged links to the businessman and the benefits he may have received.
