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Matlala Testifies He Paid Bheki Cele R500,000, Challenging the Former Minister’s Sworn Denial

The parliamentary inquiry is assessing his sworn account for possible political interference.

Overview

  • He told MPs under oath that he handed Cele R300,000 in January at his apartment and R200,000 in March at Durban’s Beverly Hills Hotel, alleging Cele later sought additional money.
  • Describing December 2024 operations at his home and offices, he said masked officers, including members of the Political Killings Task Team, seized firearms without showing warrants.
  • He said a 23 December meeting with Cele included a call to Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and advice to withdraw a court interdict, after which Brooklyn police returned his firearms.
  • He testified that political operator Brown ‘Oupa’ Mogotsi solicited funds for investigators’ accommodation and for the ANC January 8 event, saying he paid between R150,000 and R200,000 and that Cele advised continued engagement with Mogotsi.
  • He stated that police hold his bank statements reflecting relevant withdrawals and noted he remains detained at Kgosi Mampuru on an attempted murder case after being denied bail on 27 October.