Cat Matlala Makes Serious Allegations Against Cele, Sibiya and Swarts in Draft Affidavit

Controversial South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has reportedly made explosive corruption allegations involving prominent politicians and senior police officials in an unsigned draft affidavit prepared while he was in prison.

The document reportedly contains claims of cash payments, government contracts, state-owned property leases and alleged dealings with influential figures in South Africa’s political and law enforcement structures.

According to reports, Matlala prepared the draft affidavit while in custody as part of negotiations for a possible plea agreement that could have resulted in a reduced prison sentence. However, the negotiations reportedly collapsed without a final agreement being reached.

Among those named in the document are former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, former deputy public works minister Bernice Swarts and former police minister Bheki Cele.

Alleged Deal Involving Government Properties

According to the draft affidavit, Matlala claims that Sibiya arranged a meeting between him and Swarts to discuss access to state-owned properties, including a police hospital.

The businessman allegedly claims that the proposed arrangement was intended to help his medical company secure property leases and position itself for potential business opportunities linked to South Africa’s planned National Health Insurance (NHI) system.

Matlala further alleges that money changed hands in connection with the proposed arrangements.

One of the claims in the document is that he handed Sibiya R80,000 at an airport to help Swarts purchase alcohol for a family ceremony.

He also alleges that he paid another R200,000 in connection with the proposed state property leases.

However, these claims remain allegations contained in an unsigned document and have not been established as proven facts.

Claims About R360 Million Police Contract

Matlala’s allegations also extend to a police contract reportedly worth R360 million.

According to the draft affidavit, the businessman claims that he paid hundreds of thousands of rand in an attempt to secure the contract.

The document also reportedly refers to the alleged provision of 20 live impalas as part of the dealings.

If substantiated, the claims could raise serious questions about the processes surrounding government procurement and whether improper payments or benefits were offered to influence the awarding of public contracts.

Nevertheless, the allegations alone do not establish that the contract was awarded through corruption or that the individuals mentioned participated in any unlawful activity.

Further evidence would be required to determine what occurred and whether the reported transactions were connected to the contract.

Matlala Allegedly Claims He Paid Bheki Cele R1 Million

Another significant allegation in the draft affidavit concerns former police minister Bheki Cele.

Matlala reportedly claims that he agreed to pay Cele R1 million following a police raid on his property.

According to the document, the businessman alleges that he placed R700,000 in a Woolworths shopping bag and delivered the money to Cele at a penthouse.

The claim has attracted attention because of the questions it raises about the reported relationship between Matlala and the former police minister.

However, Cele has denied receiving illicit payments from the businessman.

Cele has reportedly acknowledged staying at Matlala’s luxury penthouse without paying, but this is a separate matter from the alleged R1 million payment and does not establish that the alleged transaction occurred.

Both Swarts and Cele have strongly rejected the allegations attributed to Matlala.

Swarts reportedly maintains that she never met the businessman, disputing his claims that they discussed government property leases or arrangements intended to benefit his company.

Cele has likewise denied receiving illicit payments from Matlala.

Their denials add another dimension to the allegations, leaving important questions about the alleged meetings, payments and proposed business arrangements unresolved.

The claims would require independent verification and supporting evidence before any conclusions could be reached about the conduct of the individuals named.

Questions Over Political and Police Connections

The allegations have renewed scrutiny of the relationships between private businesspeople, senior government officials and law enforcement authorities in South Africa.

The reported involvement of state property leases, a major police contract and alleged payments has also raised questions about transparency and accountability in public administration.

However, the circumstances surrounding the draft affidavit must be considered carefully. The document was reportedly prepared during unsuccessful plea negotiations, remains unsigned and does not, by itself, prove the allegations it contains.

For now, the claims against Cele, Sibiya and Swarts remain allegations rather than established findings of wrongdoing. Further evidence, official responses and any subsequent investigative or legal developments will be important in determining whether the claims can be substantiated.

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