Khumalo debunks Matlala’s allegations of Ministerial bribery

Head of Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo, has informed Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption that Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala—currently accused of attempted murder—was an active member of a drug syndicate.

Khumalo’s testimony has cast significant doubt on evidence previously provided by Matlala during a committee session held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria last year.

The intelligence head faced intense questioning from ActionSA MP Dereleen James during his second day of testimony. The proceedings focused heavily on the operations of a Gauteng-based crime cartel and the extent of criminal infiltration within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

During the exchange, James sought to reconcile Matlala’s prior denials with the current intelligence reports:

"Cause when we asked Mr Matlala if he was involved in drug trafficking, he said no, only his friend was involved. So you’ve just clarified that for us today, so he too is involved in the distribution of drugs in all our communities, so he lied again."

Khumalo confirmed this assessment, effectively labelling Matlala’s previous testimony as untruthful.

Furthermore, Khumalo addressed Matlala’s high-profile allegation that he had paid former Police Minister Bheki Cele R500,000. Khumalo stated that investigators have found no evidence to substantiate the claim of a bribe.

"We have picked up a lot of people that have interacted with Mr Matlala in terms of exchange of money, but we have not picked up anything with regards to the former minister of police", said Khumalo.