Six bombshells from Cele’s explosive testimony- fresh claims of murder in Anele Tembe’s death
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele concluded his fiery two-day testimony on Friday before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating alleged political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Cele’s disclosures shed new light on the inner workings and turmoil within the police force, raising fresh questions about leadership, accountability, and the handling of sensitive investigations.
Cele Raises Doubts Over the Death of Anele Tembe
Perhaps most startlingly, Cele suggested foul play might have been involved in the death of Anele Tembe, the first fiancée of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who fell from the 10th floor of the Pepper Club Hotel in 2021.
He was asked for his views on the case by MK Party MP David Skhosana.
“There is an inquest into the death of Moses Tembe’s daughter. Police believed she was murdered, but faced repeated delays from the prosecutor’s office to formally register charges.
“The magistrate is now questioning why this obvious case was not enrolled,” Cele disclosed.
Confusion Over Intelligence Officials Visiting Senzo Mchunu’s Home
When asked by ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli about a visit by Robert McBride, then head of Crime Intelligence, and Cedric Nkabinde, who is now the Chief of Staff in Suspended police minister Mchunu’s residence, Cele expressed bewilderment.
“If there was harassment by the police, the correct institution to contact is the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), not visits from intelligence heads telling people how to do their work.”
“Was it a courtesy call to say ‘stop’ or an investigation? I honestly don’t understand the purpose,” he said.
Cele stressed that if citizens are harassed, formal investigations should ensue rather than informal warnings or visits.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Mchunu revealed that McBride and Nkabinde visited his house after he laid a complaint with the police.
Disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) Questioned
The committee probed Cele on the controversial disbandment of the PKTT, a specialised unit investigating politically motivated killings.
Cele challenged the rationale behind dismantling just this unit alone.
“Kidnapping and extortion are relatively new and specialised crimes requiring dedicated task teams and resources. If these task teams are operational necessities, why was it only the PKTT that was singled out for disbandment?”
Earlier this week, Mchunu revealed that part of his decision to disband the PKTT was motivated by a 2019 Work Study case.
Cele argued the decision lacked operational sense and suggested National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola was too “soft” in handling the issue.
Sharp Critique of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola
Cele was candid about his frustration with Masemola’s leadership style, especially regarding the PKTT disbandment:
“Masemola became soft. He should have pushed back and used the opportunity to advise Minister Mchunu on the matter. But it appears he wasn’t even given a chance to brief the minister properly.”
Despite his critique, Cele acknowledged Masemola’s personal qualities.
“He has a good heart—I once said he would have made a good beer shop owner, as he looks after the ‘lions’ well.”
Paul O’Sullivan, Described as the “God of the Security World”
When questioned by Ntuli about Paul O’Sullivan’s role and influence, Cele offered sharp observations.
“O’Sullivan is like an octopus, involved in almost everything and speaking about everything. He is the god of managing politicians and knows everything and anything.”
He further noted O’Sullivan’s complex alliances and rivalries within the police:
“He loves General Sibiya, dislikes Masemola, Mkhwanazi, and Khumalo, but has no problem with Minister Mchunu.”
On July 6, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that O’Sullivan was involved in illegal police infiltrations.
Last week, O’Sullivan told IOL that he had received an invitation to testify soon at the Madlanga Commission, which is also investigating political interference in the justice system.
Crime and Drug Trafficking Remain Major Concerns
Reflecting on broader crime challenges in South Africa, Cele shared insights from his 1994 police training in Scotland on why drug syndicates target the country.
“There are three reasons: our expanding aviation system, the strength of our financial systems allowing easy movement of money, and, unfortunately, our poor communities, which have become easy targets, especially children.”
He urged a society-wide response to drug trafficking, citing the 2022 integrated crime and violence prevention strategy endorsed by Cabinet.
The Committee is expected to continue hearing testimony next Tuesday.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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