A police forensic investigation has recommended the criminal prosecution of former police minister Bheki Cele over allegations that he received unlawful gratification and private benefits from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The recommendation is contained in a 370-page forensic report compiled by SAPS’ internal audit and its risk and integrity management divisions, according to the Sunday Times. The report allegedly found evidence of cash payments and luxury accommodation linked to Matlala and his companies. (Sunday Times)
The investigation examined the financial records of companies linked to Matlala, including Medicare24 Tshwane District and CAT Protection and Security.
According to the report, forensic investigators identified what they described as a pattern of large cash withdrawals from Matlala’s companies occurring within days of meetings between Matlala and Cele.
The allegations relate to a period after Cele’s tenure as police minister ended in June 2024.
Medicare24 had been awarded a three-year R360 million SAPS health-risk management contract in June 2024. The contract was later cancelled in May 2025 amid allegations surrounding the procurement process. (Sunday Times)
Alleged cash payments
The report follows allegations previously made by Matlala that he paid Cele R500,000 in two cash instalments.
Matlala told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he paid Cele R300,000 in January 2025 and a further R200,000 in March.
Matlala alleged that the payments were connected to his attempts to secure assistance in dealing with police action against him and efforts to protect his interests around the Medicare24 contract.
Cele has denied receiving money from Matlala.
“If they say I got money, they must show me bank receipts which show that I received the money.”
Cele has also disputed the nature of his relationship with Matlala, previously telling the parliamentary committee: “I do not have a friend called Cat.” (Sunday Times)
Penthouse stay also flagged
The forensic report also examined Cele’s stays at a luxury penthouse at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria.
According to the report, Matlala instructed the hotel in January 2025 to allow Cele access to the penthouse whenever he was in Pretoria. Investigators obtained keycard records which they said confirmed that the apartment was occupied during the relevant period. (Sunday Times)
The investigators concluded that Cele had failed to disclose his relationship with Matlala and that the private benefits allegedly received created a conflict of interest and potentially breached the applicable rules governing private benefits and sponsorships for police officials.
Cele, however, has disputed the suggestion that his stay at the penthouse amounted to wrongdoing, saying he stayed there for free and questioned why this would constitute a crime.
Recommendation is not an arrest
The forensic report’s recommendation does not mean that Cele has been arrested or convicted of an offence.
It recommends that criminal prosecution be pursued over the allegations identified by investigators.
The report also recommends criminal prosecution of several other individuals linked to the Medicare24 investigation, including Matlala and police officials implicated in the tender process. (TimesLIVE)
The latest development adds another significant layer to the allegations surrounding Matlala’s relationship with senior figures in South Africa’s law-enforcement structures.
Cele continues to deny receiving money from Matlala, while the allegations and forensic findings remain subject to the relevant criminal and legal processes.
