Controversial businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala has completed his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged police corruption.
During his appearance on Thursday, he levelled serious accusations against former police minister Bheki Cele, claiming that Cele sought money from him for personal benefit.
Matlala, who is currently in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility while awaiting trial for attempted murder, spent two days outlining his dealings with Cele and alleged information peddler Brown Mogotsi.
He characterised Mogotsi as an individual who misled people for financial gain and insisted that both men repeatedly pursued him for cash.
Throughout his testimony, Matlala took the committee through several instances where he made large cash payments to both Cele and Mogotsi.
He maintained that Cele had initially demanded one million rand before later distancing himself and no longer responding to calls. He also rejected Mogotsi’s attempts to obtain money under the guise of supporting political work.
Matlala told the committee that he had no interest in financing broader political ambitions and was only willing to support Minister Senzo Mchunu in his bid for leadership within the African National Congress.
The committee has now wrapped up this round of hearings and will continue its work into the new year.
Additional witnesses, including former Independent Police Investigative Directorate head Robert McBride, are expected to appear after the committee received an extension until February.
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