Bheki Cele and Cat Matlala: Explosive police report calls for prosecution

Former police minister Bheki Cele could face criminal prosecution over alleged benefits linked to Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.

The publication reports that a 370-page police forensic investigation recommended criminal action against Cele over allegations that he received unlawful “gratification” from Matlala-linked companies.

According to the forensic report, investigators identified alleged private benefits including luxury accommodation and cash payments.

Cele has denied receiving money from Matlala.

Police report puts Bheki Cele and Cat Matlala under spotlight

According to the publication, the investigation examined bank records belonging to Matlala-linked companies.

Investigators reportedly identified large cash withdrawals around the time Matlala allegedly met Cele.

The probe focused on Medicare24 Tshwane District and CAT Protection and Security.

Medicare24 secured a three-year, R360 million SAPS health-risk management contract in June 2024.

Police later cancelled the contract.

The forensic investigation reportedly examined whether Matlala sought Cele’s help as attempts to save the contract unfolded.

Cat Matlala claimed he gave Cele R500 000

Matlala previously made explosive claims about Cele during his appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of police corruption.

He claimed he gave Cele cash twice. Matlala alleged he first handed the former minister R300 000 and later gave him another R200 000.

Cele has denied receiving the money.

He has also disputed claims that he and Matlala shared a close relationship.

During his testimony before Parliament, Cele famously rejected that description.

“I do not have a friend called Cat,” he said.

Luxury penthouse also investigated

The forensic probe reportedly also examined Cele’s use of a luxury penthouse linked to Matlala.

According to the report, investigators obtained a WhatsApp message in which Matlala allegedly instructed management to allow Cele to use the property when he visited Pretoria.

Cele has acknowledged staying at the penthouse without paying.

However, he argued that he was a private citizen at the time.

The forensic report has reportedly recommended criminal prosecution over the alleged benefits.