SA Reacts As Bheki Cele Defends Himself for Calling Cat Matlala Before His Arrest

• The former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, came under fire after it was revealed that he had contacted the attempted murder accused, Cat Matlala
• Matlala was also linked to a drug syndicate, which allegedly infiltrated the South African criminal justice system
• Cele reportedly defended his reasons for contacting Matlala multiple times before his arrest, and South Africans did not believe him

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, a current affairs writer for Briefly News, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

JOHANNESBURG— The former Police Minister Bheki Cele reportedly denied calling business tycoon and attempted murder-accused Vusimusi Cat Matlala 10 times before he was arrested in May 2025 for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thibejane.

According to News24, Cele made 10 calls to Matlala days before the South African Police Service(SAPS) cancelled his R360 million tender. Following the cancellation, he was also arrested for his role in Thobejane's attempted murder in Sandton. Cele allegedly called Matlala on 9 May throughout the course of the day.

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What time did Cele call Matlala?

Cele allegedly called Matlala three times before midday, twice in the afternoon, and three times in the evening. Matlala did not answer either of the calls. Cele also reportedly exchanged text messages with Matlala more than 100 times, despite Cele previously denying that he had any links to Matlala.

What did Cele say about the calls?

Cele, in response, said that he was trying to arrange the details of a meeting between himself and Cele. Cele said that Matlala wanted to see him in Durban, but the meeting did not happen. Cele also declined to answer questions about the issues Matlala wanted to discuss with him.

What has been happening to Cat Matlala?

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicated Matlala in a crime syndicate on 6 July 2025, which allegedly infiltrated the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi also alleged that Matlala funded suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu's political career.

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A raid at the Kgosi Mampuru prison on 6 July 2025 revealed that Matlala had a cellphone in his prison cell. The cell phone was among other contraband confiscated during the raid. ActionSA's parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, called for his phone to be forensically examined.

Matlala and his wife, Tsakani, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates Court on 11 July 2025 in connection with their role in Thobejane's attempted murder. The case was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commented on the allegations.

Zani said:

"Now I believe Advocate Teffo when he said Cele is connected to drug businesses and other shady things."

BigG said:

"Chickens come home to roost."

DigitalWork24 said:

"Every dog has its day."

Tsitso09 said:

"We are most likely going to hear horror stories from the Commission and the Patrliamntary Ad Hoc Committee."

Aviwe Ndabazipheli said:

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"His time has come."

Matlala issues threat after expensive watches go missing during raid

In a relayed article, Briefly News reported that Matlala threatened legal action against the police after two of his expensive watches disappeared during a raid at his house.

During the raid, several items, including jewellery, firearms, and his cellphones, were confiscated. His firearms and cellphones were returned. However, his watches were not.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News