Unraveling the Allegations: Mchunu’s Presidential Dreams Funded by Cat Matlala
In recent times, the power dynamics within the African National Congress (ANC) have become a hot topic. This is especially true after the former police minister, Bheki Cele, made some startling claims about Senzo Mchunu, who aspires to lead the ANC. According to Cele, Mchunu’s wish to ascend to higher political office may have been financially supported by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a figure known for serious allegations, including attempted murder.
Cele appeared before a parliamentary inquiry where he shared details about his meetings with Matlala. He claimed that Matlala hinted that a funding strategy for Mchunu’s political aspirations had been tied to a raid on his own house. This committee aims to sort through troubling allegations of corruption in top police ranks. One notable accusation came from KwaZulu-Natal commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who suggested that Mchunu had connections to criminal networks, leading to the disbandment of a task team that was targeting political murders— a group that had uncovered deep-rooted issues within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During his testimony, Cele explained how he became acquainted with Matlala through Bongani “Mabonga” Mpungose, the son of a well-known taxi boss in December 2024. Matlala approached Cele to discuss two key issues that he felt needed urgent attention. One of these involved Mchunu’s aspirations for the presidency, which Matlala claimed were being funded through a significant police tender worth R360 million. In simple terms, Matlala suggested that this money was meant to support Mchunu on his journey to either the presidency or the deputy presidency of the ANC.
Cele stated, “He mentioned that after talking with Mchunu and Brown Mogotsi, Matlala realized there were certain political maneuvers at play. He wanted to inform me that there were political games happening, which is why he reached out.” Furthermore, Matlala shared that Mchunu allegedly planned to arrest Cele concerning an accommodation tender related to the 2010 World Cup.
As the inquiry progressed, Mchunu grappled with questions about his associations with Mogotsi and Matlala. Despite mounting pressure, Mchunu has maintained that he does not have any ties with Matlala, insisting that they are not connected in any way. An evidence leader in the inquiry, Norman Arendse, has mentioned that there is a witness prepared to testify against Mchunu, asserting that Matlala had been helping to finance Mchunu’s ambitions for a higher office within the ANC.
Compounding the issue, Cele has pointed out that a letter penned by Mchunu, which instructed the shutdown of the political killings task team, bore a striking resemblance to a previous letter by researcher Prof. Mary de Haas. This raised further questions regarding Mchunu’s intentions and authenticity in his role as a leader in the province.
Another alarming revelation from Cele was that many members of special task forces within the police were leaving to pursue better-paying jobs in private security or the taxi industry. He noted that a staggering number of 56 special task force members have reportedly joined the taxi sector, which showcases the desperation for better livelihoods amid an ongoing crisis within public service.
To add another layer to the narrative, Cele disclosed shocking information about former military special task force members now working under Matlala. They attended a recent funeral in KwaZulu-Natal where, according to Cele, the sight of “more guns than flowers” raised serious alarms about the growing influence of Matlala in the region.
Criticism also emerged during the hearings, particularly from the MK Party’s Sibonelo Nomvalo, who condemned Cele’s mode of handling Matlala’s claims. Nomvalo asserted that Cele’s failure to report serious allegations against Lt-Gen Dumusani Khumalo was a reckless political intervention that might have lasting repercussions on justice within the police force.
As the inquiry unfolds, the implications of these allegations could significantly affect the political landscape in South Africa, particularly for Mchunu and his ambitions. The public is left waiting for clarity amid a cloud of suspicion and intrigue, as this saga continues to develop.
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Original Text – https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2025-10-24-mchunus-presidential-ambitions-funded-by-cat-matlala-cele/