In a highly anticipated session before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating political interference in police operations, former Police Minister Bheki Cele is set to take his turn on the hot seat over the next two days.
The committee, established amid alarming allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption within the justice system following allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused influential actors, including individuals allegedly linked to Cele, of compromising police integrity.
Cele, who helmed the Police Ministry from February 2018 to June 2024, oversaw the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) operations during much of his tenure.
The PKTT was later disbanded on December 31, 2024, by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who now faces suspension amid serious allegations of protecting criminal syndicates tied to Cele.
Reports have surfaced that Cele maintained close ties with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whom Mkhwanazi implicated as a key figure in the criminal infiltration of the police.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Minister Mchunu informed African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament Khusela Diko that Cele did not receive formal handover notes regarding the PKTT at the time of transition.
“Not as I read it. What was there was a reference to committees the minister was serving on, not necessarily the PKTT in any form,” said Mchunu, addressing questions on the matter.
When pressed about why Cele had not taken steps to disband the PKTT himself, Mchunu replied, “Not really, we didn’t delve into that matter.”
Politics
