Cele added as witness in parliamentary probe into Mkhwanazi allegations of SAPS corruption

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele has been added to the names of witnesses expected to testify before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing serious allegations of corruption, political interference, and mismanagement within the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The committee was established following bombshell allegations made on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who publicly accused senior political and police officials of obstructing sensitive investigations and attempting to dismantle the Political Killings Task Team in KZN

During his briefing, Mkhwanazi presented digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats allegedly extracted from mobile devices, which he claimed revealed coordinated interference by high-ranking individuals.

He specifically named suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, his associate Brown Mogotsi, and businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala as central figures in the alleged effort.

In a media briefing held on Friday, ad hoc committee chairperson Lekganyane Molapi confirmed Cele’s inclusion in the witness list.

“The chairperson signed seven letters to the seven persons that have been named,” Molapi said. “Secondly, in the invitation, there is no person who has been given a date of appearance before the committee.”

The list of invitees includes Mchunu, Mkhwanazi, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, Deputy Ministers Polly Boitshelo and Cassel Mathale, and Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia

Molapi emphasised the urgency of the process, saying, “We had planned that the committee would start its work by the 10th of September.”

While no formal schedule has been communicated to the witnesses, Molapi confirmed that the committee has decided the order in which testimonies will be heard. “The order still stands that the first person who will appear before this committee is General Mkhwanazi,” he said.

However, Mkhwanazi has requested a deferral of his appearance due to prior commitments with the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

“With regards to Mkhwanazi, he requested the committee to allow him to continue with other engagements he's already in with the Commission until 24th September. That is when he said he will be available to come and appear before the committee, anytime from the 25th of September,” Molapi said.

The Madlanga Commission was expected to commence its public hearings on 1 September. That date was missed due to ICT issues, with the Commission later announcing that hearings would begin on 17 September instead.

The delay, according to the Commission, was caused by technical and logistical preparations that had not yet been finalised.

In a statement last week, the Commission said: “Significant progress has been made by the appointed service providers to set up the various services in accordance with the Commission’s requirements.

''It is anticipated that all work in this regard will be finalised in time for the Commission’s hearings to commence without any further delays.”

The overlap between the Commission’s preparatory work and the parliamentary process has necessitated flexibility in scheduling, particularly for witnesses such as Mkhwanazi who are involved in both processes.

Molapi also confirmed that the committee had begun receiving responses to its formal invitations. “Responses have so far been received from Mchunu and Cachalia,” he said, adding that National Commissioner Masemola and Deputy Commissioner Sibiya have requested consultations with senior counsel before submitting their sworn statements.

“The senior counsel has met with Masemola to do consultations before members,” Molapi said.

To assist in managing the legal and evidentiary complexities of the investigation, the committee has appointed a team of experienced legal professionals.

Advocate Norman Arendse SC has been named as the committee’s evidence leader, supported by Advocate Maria Mokhaetsi and Advocate Lerato Zikalala.

Hearings are expected to take place in the Good Hope Chamber at Parliament in Cape Town.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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