A SAPS forensic report has recommended that former police minister Bheki Cele be prosecuted. It was finalised in April, months before the NPA withdrew charges against suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola in the Medicare24 matter.
The 370-page report was done by SAPS internal audit and its risk and integrity management division.
It reportedly says Cele received “gratification” and private benefits from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. It also recommends prosecuting Matlala, Captain Brian Cartwright, Brigadier Petunia Lenono and Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani. All of them except Fani have reportedly already been charged.
The NPA withdrew four PFMA charges against Masemola on 22 September. It said there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution. The case continues against the other accused.
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams is challenging that decision in the Pretoria High Court. He filed his application on 30 September. The forensic report is attached to his papers.
Matlala told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he paid Cele R500,000 in two instalments, R300,000 and R200,000. Cele denies receiving any money. He says those who claim he got money must show him bank receipts.
Cele has acknowledged staying in Matlala’s penthouse at The Capital Menlyn Maine for free. He has questioned why that would be a crime.
The report reportedly includes a WhatsApp message Matlala sent on 27 January 2025 to the hotel’s sales manager. He asked her to have staff give Cele access to the penthouse whenever he was in Pretoria. Investigators reportedly found keycard logs showing the apartment was occupied in that period.
Cele left office in June 2024. The alleged benefits date from January to March 2025.
The report’s recommendation is not a charge or a finding of guilt. Any prosecution must be considered by the NPA.
The Medicare24 contract with SAPS was worth R360 million. The corruption case concerns R228 million.
The timing raises questions. The report was finished five months before the Masemola charges were withdrawn. It is not known whether the NPA had it.
