“He has shown me things he was not supposed to”

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed that he used alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as an information source during his time in office. Cele made the revelation before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating corruption and misconduct allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Cele admitted that his interactions with Matlala were not coincidental but intentional, explaining that he relied on Matlala for intelligence on certain sensitive matters. “He [Matlala] has shown me things he was not supposed to have — things that were sent either by the minister or Mogotsi,” Cele told the committee.

The disclosure raises fresh questions about the blurred lines between official intelligence gathering and the use of questionable informants within law enforcement. Matlala, who is currently facing charges of attempted murder and alleged links to organised crime, has been a central figure in the ongoing hearings, with several police generals accused of maintaining improper ties with him.

Committee members expressed concern that a high-ranking official like Cele engaged with an individual under criminal investigation, with some MPs suggesting that it reflected deeper institutional weaknesses in how intelligence is handled.

Cele, however, maintained that his dealings were strategic and aimed at “understanding the movements and networks that could compromise state security.”The revelations add another layer of intrigue to the widening scandal surrounding the Police Ministry, which has seen multiple testimonies exposing internal rivalries, leaks, and alleged political interference in policing structures.

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