Tensions flared when former Police Minister Bheki Cele was questioned by Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
The Committee, which is investigating KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of criminality within the South African Police Service (SAPS), was hearing Cele’s evidence.
Cameron questioned Cele about his connection to suspected crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, when reference was made to their past public clash.
‘SHUT UP’ CLASH
In 2022, Cele lost his cool during a meeting with Cameron, who was then a community activist. While discussing crime in Gugulethu in the Western Cape, Cele shouted at Cameron, who had been calling for police accountability, telling him to “shut up” and leave the meeting.
The temperature rose at the Ad Hoc committee when Cameron challenged how Cele could be “proud” of his SAPS legacy after being dismissed for misconduct as national commissioner.
Cele replied that he had been cleared by a court of law. A language barrier between the pair appeared to cause some confusion.
CELE SAYS HE ACCEPTED FREEBIES FROM MATLALA
Cameron then asked why Cele had claimed not to know Matlala despite previously staying at his penthouse. The former minister responded that he did not stay there because they were acquaintances but because he had been offered “freebies”.
Cameron pressed further, asking whether Cele would accept accommodation if alleged crime boss Ralph Stanfield offered him a place to stay. He insisted he did not know Stanfield personally, only by reputation. Cameron accused him of “playing with words”.
“It’s his turn to tell me to shut up this time,” Cele said.
The former minister maintained he was not playing with words and that he had answered the question. He confirmed he had met Matlala but denied influencing any SAPS contracts linked to Matlala, including an alleged R360-million tender.
Cameron and Cele wrapped up the round of questioning on a civil note. The Ad Hoc Committee continues hearing evidence, with Cele facing further scrutiny over his statement.
