Attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has made fresh allegations involving former Police Minister Bheki Cele at the Madlanga Commission, claiming that he handed over money to the former minister while disputing parts of an earlier statement implicating him in a corrupt arrangement. Cele has denied receiving money from Matlala.

CRIME CONNECT | INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

The relationship between businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and former Police Minister Bheki Cele has come under renewed scrutiny following Matlala’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

During his appearance on 11 November 2026, Matlala discussed allegations involving money allegedly handed to Cele, including cash withdrawals and meetings at which he claimed payments were made.

According to Matlala’s testimony, he withdrew R500,000 from a Medicare account on 9 January 2025 and a further R200,000 the following day. He described an alleged arrangement involving payments to Cele and claimed that a further R300,000 was handed over at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban.

However, Matlala also disputed parts of an earlier statement in which he implicated Cele, claiming that investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) had influenced the contents of the statement and exaggerated the amount involved.

Matlala maintained that he did give Cele money but disputed the way the alleged arrangement had been presented.

THE MEDICARE24 CONNECTION

The allegations are particularly sensitive because Matlala’s business interests have already attracted attention through the investigation into the controversial Medicare24 contract.

The commission has been examining alleged relationships between private business interests and individuals within the police service and political structures.

Matlala has maintained that the payments he described were not linked to the Medicare24 contract.

This distinction is important because investigators and the commission must establish whether the alleged payments were personal transactions, gifts or part of any unlawful arrangement.

CELE DENIES RECEIVING MONEY

Cele has denied receiving money from Matlala. His denial is important in assessing the allegations, which have not been established as fact by the commission.

The testimony also raises questions about Matlala’s credibility, particularly because he has disputed elements of a statement that previously implicated the former minister.

Why did Matlala make the allegations in the first place? What exactly did investigators ask him? Are there financial records, communications or independent witnesses capable of supporting or contradicting his account?

These are among the questions that deserve further examination.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The allegations involving Matlala and Cele are another reminder of the importance of tracing financial transactions when investigating possible corruption and relationships between businesspeople and public officials.

The commission must ultimately distinguish between claims made by witnesses, evidence supported by documentation and facts that can be independently established.

For now, Matlala has placed his version before the inquiry, while Cele denies receiving the alleged payments.

All allegations remain subject to proper investigation. No finding of guilt should be inferred from the testimony.