Bheki Cele added as witness in parliamentary probe into police corruption

CAPE TOWN - Parliament's ad hoc committee probing police interference and corruption has added former minister Bheki Cele to its list of witnesses.

Members of the committee said his evidence would be relevant following a News24 expose on how Cele allegedly called accused crime kingpin, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, ten times in one day.

The committee took the decision at its meeting on its preparations on Saturday.

Following the adoption of the committee's terms of reference last month, members have moved quickly to start calling in witnesses.

The committee reaffirmed its decision that KZN provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi would be the first material witness to appear.

The parties also agreed to the proposal that Bheki Cele should be invited.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said "the meeting has agreed to add the name of Bheki Cele to the list of witnesses that we have agreed on".

Committee member Ian Cameron said his connections to people that are under investigation is relevant.

"Even more critical after the expose last week ragaring Bheki Cele that allegedly called Matlala ten times in a day in May. I think that's very relevant for the first set of people to be called to the committee," said Cameron.

The committee said the witnesses invited, five of them have responded and are ready to make submissions.