After two subsequent police raids at his house by the political killings task team, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala alleged leader of the Big Five cartel and attempted murder suspect approached former police minister Bheki Cele for assistance.
Matlala told parliaments ad hoc committee that he paid Cele R500 000 in two tranches for protection. He said he did this while North West businessman Brown Mogotsi was also soliciting money from him, claiming to act on behalf of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
Matlala has been detained at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre since April, after he was arrested and charged with a myriad of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and allegations relating to the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital corruption.