'Maybe FNB should be charged,' says Matlala on R500k bribe to Cele
Murder Suspect Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala Implicates FNB and Former Police Minister Cele in Bribery Scandal
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
In a damning testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating systemic corruption in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies, alleged murder suspect Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala made explosive claims implicating not only senior politicians but also financial institutions.
Matlala told the committee that First National Bank (FNB) must be held accountable and charged for money laundering after allowing his sister to withdraw R300,000 - funds that were allegedly used to bribe former Police Minister Bheki Cele.
The Ad Hoc Committee was established in October following incendiary accusations from Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, who charged that senior police officials and politicians deliberately sabotaged investigations to protect drug cartels implicated in politically motivated killings, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
On July 6, 2024, Mkhwanazi accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of intentionally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) at the end of 2024 to shield Matlala and other politically connected criminals from prosecution.
Pressed by ANC MP Thokozile Sokhanyile whether this amounted to money laundering, given the large cash sum involved, Matlala retorted sharply.
“If it is money laundering, then why did FNB allow us to withdraw the money? Maybe they should also be charged for allowing us to do that.”
“I sent my sister to withdraw the money on my behalf, then I went to the bank to pick it up from my sister and walked back with the money in a Woolworths bag to my penthouse,” Matlala recounted during Thursday’s hearing.
His testimony centers on allegations that Cele demanded a R1-million bribe, of which Matlala admitted paying only R500,000 in two cash payments of R300,000 and R200,000 concealed in Woolworths bags.
On Wednesday, Matlala testified about how former police minister Bheki Cele intervened to stop a series of aggressive raids and harassment by the South African Police Service (SAPS) targeting him in late 2024 through raids on his Waterkloof Ridge residence in December 2024.
He stated that masked officers reportedly stormed his home in the early hours of December 12, ordering his family - including four of his children - to lie on the floor.
This contradicts Cele’s earlier denials of any involvement or connection to Matlala.
Matlala, who has been detained at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre since his arrest in April, faces a litany of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and attempts to capture high-ranking police officials.
His testimony sheds light on possible collusion between political heavyweights and criminal syndicates.
Adding further weight to the allegations, Matlala disclosed that Cele frequently visited and stayed at his Menlyn penthouse for extended periods. This intimate association raises questions about the depth of their relationship.
Matlala’s testimony is a crucial piece in this growing corruption puzzle, potentially exposing the complicity of top officials in shielding criminal enterprises.
As the Ad Hoc Committee continues its inquiry, the nation eagerly awaits clarity on the fate of institutions entrusted with upholding law and justice amid the cloud of alleged corruption.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics