Matlala claims he paid Cele R500k bribe for political favours

Controversial businessman and tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat’ Matlala has dropped a few bombshells before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, like how he paid a R500,000 bribe to former Minister Bheki Cele for political favours.

Matlala told the committee on Wednesday that Cele lied under oath when he alleged their relationship was about exchanging vital information.

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He also claims that Cele was able to help stop police harassment and raids at his properties as part of the arrangement between the two of them.

Matlala made the allegations while giving evidence at the Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria.

He claims Cele was willing to help stop raids at his properties on condition that he withdraws his court challenge.

Matlala’s court interdict was against alleged police harassment related to a disputed multi-million-rand South African Police Service (SAPS) health services tender awarded to Matlala’s company.

Matlala also claims he paid Cele R500,000 in two payments when questioned by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.

“I gave him money twice. I gave him R300,000, and in the second occasion, I gave him R200,000.”

Matlala also told Malema and the committee that Cele lied under oath about their relationship and the nature of the payments.

“Yes, he lied under oath. For me, he was sucking information. Why would he even ask me to ask my protectors to take me and his wife to take him to a wedding somewhere in Lanseria?”

Matlala’s evidence continues on Thursday, where he will respond to more questions around payments he made to politicians and senior police.