Former police minister Bheki Cele has detailed his first meeting with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — a discussion that, according to Cele, touched on politics, tender funds, and warnings about powerful figures.
Cele told the inquiry that he met Matlala at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, shortly after a raid on Matlala’s residence in December 2024. He said he did not arrange the meeting himself, explaining that he was invited by a mutual acquaintance named Bongani Mabonga.
During the encounter, Cele said Matlala complained about being drawn into “political games” involving then police minister Senzo Mchunu and other individuals linked to government tenders. Matlala allegedly revealed that he was told to stay away from both Cele and former president Jacob Zuma. He also claimed there were discussions about using tender funds to finance a political “project” supporting Mchunu’s rise within the ANC.
Matlala further told Cele that police raided his home soon after he was awarded a R360 million SAPS tender. He alleged that senior police officials asked him to sign an affidavit accusing members of the Crime Intelligence Unit of theft during the raid — something he refused to do.
Cele emphasised that he did not benefit from or participate in any deal with Matlala. He distanced himself from the businessman, saying their meeting was unplanned and that he had no personal or financial relationship with him.
The revelations have reignited debate over alleged links between political ambitions, law enforcement operations, and state tenders — raising new questions about the depth of influence in South Africa’s policing and political systems.