Woolworths has jokingly poked fun at Vusi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony that he bribed former Minister of Police Bheki Cele with cash stashed in one of their shopping bags.
The Johannesburg businessman appeared at Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee at the Kgosi Mampuru prison this week to testify about his alleged involvement in a high-ranking criminal syndicate.
Matlala – who received multi-million rand government tenders – is currently in custody after he was charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering in May.
VUSI ‘CAT’ MATLALA REVEALS TESTIFIES ABOUT BHEKI CELE BRIBE
On Thursday, 27 November, Vusi “Cat” Matlala testified that former Minister of Police Bheki Cele allegedly demanded a R1 million bribe in exchange for his assistance in a criminal activity.
The trendy-looking “tenderpreuneur” stated that he could only afford to pay half, which he did in two payments of R200 000 and R300 000. Matlala claimed he placed the stacks of cash in a Woolworths shopping bag.
He said: “We had lunch at the [Beverly Hills] hotel. I sent one of my guys to fetch a bag from the car. I took that bag and handed it to Cele in his red Jeep, and he drove off”.
Matlala also alleged that the former minister would stay at his Menlyn mansion for days at a time.
In his testimony last month, Bheki Cele has denied befriending or receiving cash from Vusi Matlala.
WOOLWORTHS LAUGHS OFF MENTION
On its X account, Woolworths responded to the shock allegations made by Vusi “Cat” Matlala.
Of claims he used one of its bags to do dodgy dealings, the retailer joked in a tweet: “Secures the groceries. A makeshift overnight bag. The national carrier. The multi-talented. Ladies and gentlemen… The right way to use the W bag”.
In the comments section, social media users found the response amusing.
@Sikhumokuhle: “The money bag. 💰💰💰”
@KitsoMasho83884: “We’ve been chasing the wrong bag.”
@leramodumane: “They must call you as a witness 😂😂”
