Cat Matlala Claims Mchunu Wanted Khumalo Removed and Feroz Khan Put in Charge

Businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has made fresh claims about an alleged plan to remove Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo as the head of South Africa’s Crime Intelligence division and replace him with Major-General Feroz Khan. Matlala made the claims while testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he was questioned about his alleged connections to political figures and senior police officials.

According to Matlala, former Police Minister Bheki Cele was the person who told him that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu wanted Khumalo removed from his position. Matlala told the commission that, according to Cele, Mchunu wanted Khan, who was serving as Khumalo’s deputy, to take over the leadership of Crime Intelligence. The claim has raised further questions about possible political involvement in decisions concerning senior police appointments.

During his testimony, Matlala explained that Cele believed businessman Brown Mogotsi could help establish connections to Mchunu. He said Cele encouraged him to maintain contact with Mogotsi and provide money when requested because they allegedly wanted to establish where the money was going and whether it could lead them to the suspended minister. Matlala also told the commission that he had given Mogotsi money and paid for his flights following requests for financial assistance.

The allegations come against the background of an ongoing dispute involving Khumalo, Khan and other senior police officials. The Madlanga Commission has heard separate testimony concerning alleged attempts to interfere with Crime Intelligence investigations and the positions of senior police officers. Khumalo’s work involving investigations linked to Khan has also featured in previous testimony, while Khan’s position within the police service has attracted significant attention. These developments have placed the leadership of Crime Intelligence under increased public scrutiny.

However, Matlala’s claims remain testimony before the commission and should not be treated as established facts. He also previously denied having any personal relationship or direct interactions with Mchunu and Khan. The commission will have to examine the different accounts and supporting evidence to establish what actually happened. As the inquiry continues, South Africans are waiting for further answers about the alleged political influence surrounding senior police appointments and the wider allegations of interference within the country’s law-enforcement system.

https://x.com/TheTruthPanther/status/2120457035716153792?a=xQR8W3UOIwK35hGZlRs&s=19

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