Cat Matlala labels Cele extortionist and Brown Mogotsi a conman

Alleged crime lord Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Alleged crime lord Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has accused former police minister Bheki Cele of being an extortionist and Brown Mogotsi a conman, claiming that Cele demanded a R1 million bribe from him and received payments in cash stuffed in black Woolworths bags.

Matlala's testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating systemic corruption within South Africa's law enforcement agencies has sent shockwaves across the nation, painting a picture of high-level collusion between politicians and criminal networks.

According to Matlala, Cele would often visit and stay at his Menlyn penthouse for days at a time, and he would receive calls from Cele asking for money, which he would send via his associates. Matlala also alleged that Cele requested that he purchase a house in Trafalgar for a purported son whose identity was unknown.

The committee heard that Matlala handed Cele two payments of R300 000 and R200 000 in Woolworths bags on separate occasions, contradicting Cele's earlier denials of any involvement or association.

Matlala's testimony adds fresh gravitas to allegations of corruption and complicity with criminal enterprises, implicating top officials, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The Ad Hoc Committee's investigation is ongoing, and the nation watches closely, seeking answers about the integrity of institutions meant to serve and protect.

In a dramatic turn of events, Matlala revealed that he had initially forgotten about the R1 million demand, citing his solitary confinement and lack of access to information. However, he claimed that Cele's demands for money were frequent and often urgent.

Matlala also disclosed that he had informed Cele that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was no longer awarding tenders to his company, and that Cele had arranged a meeting between him and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The meeting, which took place at The Pearls of uMhlanga, was allegedly arranged by Cele, who hoped to facilitate a resolution to Matlala's challenges. However, Matlala claimed that Mkhwanazi failed to follow up on his promises, leaving him disillusioned.

The committee's evidence leader, Norman Arendse SC, questioned Matlala about the payments, pressing him for details about the amounts and the circumstances surrounding the transactions. Matlala's responses have raised more questions than answers, with many calling for a full-scale investigation into the allegations.

As the investigation continues, the nation is left wondering about the extent of corruption within the police force and the role of top officials in perpetuating it.