Cele left surprise by Cat Matlala’s Special Task Force bodyguards

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has recalled being taken aback during a meeting in Zimbali when he encountered the protection team assigned to alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Cele told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee that what shocked him most was learning that 23 of the men in Matlala’s security detail were drawn from the Army’s elite Special Task Force.

“I was really surprised,” Cele said. “When I got there, I saw a protection team, and what nearly shocked me was when I was told that 23 of those people came from the Special Task Force. I thought to myself, ‘What is this?’”

The revelation raised fresh concerns within the committee about the infiltration of state security structures by individuals associated with criminal networks. Cele said the discovery prompted serious questions about how such a deployment could occur without official authorization.

Matlala, who has been described in court as a key figure in multiple criminal investigations, allegedly used his influence and connections to secure top-level protection. Cele’s testimony has deepened suspicions of systemic corruption and complicity within the police and military ranks.

Committee members expressed concern that such operations undermine public confidence in the security sector and suggested that further investigation into Matlala’s network was urgently needed.Cele maintained that he had no prior knowledge of the arrangement and insisted that the matter highlighted broader institutional lapses that must be addressed to restore accountability within law enforcement.

The Ad Hoc Committee continues to hear testimony from key witnesses as it probes political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service.

Readers are encouraged to like, comment, share, and follow for the latest updates on the ongoing parliamentary inquiry and developments in the Matlala saga.