Former Police Minister Bheki Cele received significant praise from Members of Parliament for his direct and transparent approach during a critical Ad Hoc Committee hearing on Thursday. The committee is currently investigating serious allegations leveled by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial head, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi....Click to Read More >>➤

Cele, who held the position of Police Minister from February 2018 until June 17, 2024, appeared before the committee to provide testimony. His testimony covered details of his time in office, his work with the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), and his connection to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

MPs Commend Cele’s Candour During Testimony

Democratic Alliance MP Ian Cameron publicly applauded Cele’s demeanor. He described the former minister’s testimony as open and forthright. Cameron noted that Cele appeared very forthcoming and did not seem to evade questions.

“Obviously, we’ll have to see where it leads when we go to cross-examination, but so far he’s been very forthcoming. It didn’t feel like he was dancing around answers. He was quite straightforward with many things,” Cameron stated.

He further highlighted Cele’s transparency regarding his personal relationships. The MP said Cele was very open about his connections, even with individuals some might view with suspicion.

Cele himself directly addressed speculation about his relationship with Matlala. He firmly clarified that they were not friends. “I am not a friend to Matlala. I met Matlala in December. He is my acquaintance… We are not friends. I know him. I don’t know his house. He doesn’t know my house,” Cele told the committee. “Friends would know more than that, so I deny that we are friends. I don’t agree that he is my friend. He’s my acquaintance.”

However, Cameron expressed one area of concern. He found the handover period between Cele and the suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu unusually short. Cameron called a handover lasting only two hours “very, very strange.”

He emphasized that the Police Ministry oversees a vast portfolio. This includes the SAPS, IPID, the Hawks, PSIRA, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service. Cameron argued that a proper handover for such a major stakeholder in national safety should take days, not hours.

Cele Questions Key Police Decisions

During his detailed testimony, Cele also raised pointed questions about the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. He questioned the logic of stopping the team’s work before its mission was fully accomplished. “Why do you then stop when the mission has not been accomplished?” he asked.

MP Cameron suggested that Cele’s positive view of the PKTT might be influenced by his personal history with the unit. He noted that Cele was part of the team’s establishment, which could create a natural bias. Cameron added that the cross-examination process would likely explore this further.

The former minister also challenged General Mkhwanazi’s reported stance on devolving policing powers. Cele argued that law enforcement should remain a national police responsibility. In response, Cameron offered a counter-perspective on police capacity.

He argued that decentralization could be a necessary alternative. “Even if SAPS had all the political will in the world at the moment to do their job, they literally don’t have the capacity, so we have to think of alternatives,” Cameron stated.

The hearing continues as the Ad Hoc Committee seeks to untangle the complex allegations. Cele’s straightforward testimony has been noted as a significant contribution to the process. His appearance provided clear insights into his ministerial actions and relationships. The investigation remains a focal point for ensuring accountability and transparency within South Africa’s police services.