South African politics is rocked by a shocking revelation! Former Police Minister Bheki Cele drops a bombshell, claiming that Vusimuzi Matlala, a suspected criminal mastermind, confessed to exploiting the police's procurement system to finance the political campaign of the current Police Minister Senzo Mchunu within the African National Congress (ANC).
But here's where it gets controversial: Cele admits to his acquaintance with Matlala, who secured a lucrative tender worth millions from the police. This revelation comes as Cele testifies before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee probing police corruption, where he openly challenges Mchunu's decision to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team (source: https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/10/23/cele-contradicts-mchunu-over-disbandment-of-political-killings-task-team).
Cele recounts a meeting with Matlala at a luxurious Durban hotel in December, where they discussed the matter. However, he denies any friendship between them.
According to Cele, Matlala claimed to have met with Minister Mchunu and Brown Mogotsi, discussing his financial backing for Mchunu's political aspirations, possibly aiming for the presidency or deputy presidency. Cele adds, "He didn’t, and myself, I didn’t know what project it was," leaving the specifics of the plan unclear.
This scandal raises questions about the integrity of political campaigns and the potential influence of criminal elements within the police force. How should the ANC and the public respond to these allegations? Do you think there's more to this story than meets the eye?
