Cele defends record at TRC inquiry, denies political interference

Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, has used his appearance before the TRC Cases Commission of Inquiry to defend his record, insisting that delays in investigating apartheid-era crimes were caused by resource constraints rather than political interference.

Cele, the first of three former police ministers scheduled to testify before the commission this week, faced questions about his tenure as National Police Commissioner and later as Police Minister. The inquiry is investigating whether politicians and senior officials in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) interfered with or delayed investigations into apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Addressing one of the commission’s key issues, Cele defended his initial refusal to approve state funding for the legal defence of former apartheid Security Branch officers accused of torture, kidnapping and murder.

He told the commission his opposition was rooted in principle and his own experiences under apartheid, arguing that taxpayers should not be expected to fund the legal defence of individuals accused of serious human rights violations.

Cele also reflected on his tenure as National Police Commissioner during preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, conceding that the tournament placed enormous pressure on police resources and contributed to delays in some investigations.

However, he denied that there was ever a directive to halt or deliberately slow investigations into TRC-referred cases, maintaining that SAPS had to prioritise national security during the global event amid credible international terror threats.

The former minister also became emotional while responding to allegations surrounding the disappearance of MK operative, Musawenkosi “Sbho” Phewa.

He also strongly denied allegations that he knows more than he has disclosed about his appearance.

Cele rejected suggestions that he has withheld information about Phewa’s fate, telling the commission he believed his former comrade had left South Africa for exile but disappeared before reaching his destination.

He also denied claims that he authored a biography stating Phewa had fled into exile, saying he has never written a biography about anyone.

Phewa, an Umkhonto we Sizwe operative, was allegedly abducted by askaris in May 1987 before being handed over to the Security Branch at Winkelspruit. He has never been seen again, and his body has never been recovered.

The commission’s hearings continue this week, with former Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, expected to testify on Wednesday, followed by Nathi Nhleko on Thursday.

@TRC_inquiry
Cele: As a minister I never stopped or interfered with any investigation of TRC cases neither did i receive complaints that police were not providing investigative support to TRC cases.

— TRC_inquiry (@TRC_inquiry) July 14, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe