Former Minister of Police Bheki Cele has allegedly voiced deep skepticism about the current inquiries into policing and governance, saying he does not trust either the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry or Parliament’s ad-hoc committee to deliver justice. Instead, Cele is reported to have expressed confidence that only the courts can provide him with a fair outcome.
The remarks, if confirmed, mark a significant rebuke of two of the country’s most high-profile accountability mechanisms. The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is tasked with probing allegations of political interference, corruption, and mismanagement within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Meanwhile, Parliament’s ad-hoc committee has been convened to scrutinize related governance failures and recommend reforms.
Cele’s distrust of these bodies is said to stem from what he perceives as political agendas overshadowing their mandates. “He feels both structures are more about politics than truth,” a source close to Cele told reporters. “In his view, the only place he can find impartial justice is in the courts.”
Cele, who served as Minister of Police from 2018 until 2024, has faced criticism over SAPS leadership battles, controversial deployments, and his handling of corruption scandals during his tenure. His name has also surfaced in testimonies before the Madlanga Commission, further fueling speculation about his alleged resistance to its proceedings.
Analysts say Cele’s reported stance reflects a broader tension between political forums of accountability and the judiciary. “Commissions and parliamentary committees are important for transparency, but their outcomes often lack binding force,” explained constitutional law expert Prof. Thandi Mkhize. “For someone in Cele’s position, the courts may seem like the only credible arena for clearing his name or challenging accusations.”
However, critics argue that rejecting both the commission and Parliament undermines the democratic principle of multi-layered oversight. “South Africans want leaders who respect institutions, not dismiss them,” said opposition MP Kabelo Moeketsi. “Turning only to the courts risks sending a message that accountability can be cherry-picked.”
The Madlanga Commission has not formally responded to Cele’s alleged comments, while Parliament’s ad-hoc committee insists its work continues independently. Both bodies have faced public pressure to deliver concrete findings rather than producing reports that gather dust.
For Cele, the courts may now become the battlefield where he intends to assert his version of events. Whether this approach shields him or isolates him politically remains to be seen. What is clear is that the former minister’s lack of faith in existing mechanisms will fuel fresh debate about the credibility of South Africa’s accountability structures.
