BREAKING: Allegation against Bheki Cele officially withdrawn

Evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse has informed Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) that one of the allegations involving former Police Minister Bheki Cele has been formally withdrawn.

Arendse told the committee that he received a written notification confirming the withdrawal of the allegation, though he did not specify which specific claim it related to. The committee has been investigating multiple submissions that implicated senior police figures, including Cele, in alleged misconduct and abuse of power within SAPS.

“Chairperson, I wish to place on record that I have received notification of the withdrawal of an allegation concerning former Police Minister Bheki Cele,” Arendse said during proceedings. He added that the committee secretariat had been informed accordingly, and the relevant documentation would be made available for members to review.

The revelation marks a significant development in the high-profile inquiry, which has seen several political and policing heavyweights take the stand to respond to a series of damning claims. Cele himself appeared earlier in the week, where he denied any wrongdoing and maintained that his conduct had always been guided by transparency and accountability.

While the withdrawal may ease some pressure on the former minister, the committee continues to hear explosive testimony from other witnesses, including suspended generals and current police officials, over alleged political meddling and cover-ups.

The Ad Hoc Committee will resume hearings next week as it continues to sift through layers of conflicting evidence and withdrawn statements to determine the extent of corruption within SAPS.

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