**Western Cape –** National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams has officially laid a criminal charge of perjury against KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The move follows what Adams describes as a serious breach of parliamentary protocol and accountability, after Mkhwanazi allegedly made — and later retracted — damaging claims against Police Minister Bheki Cele.
The charge was filed on 28 October 2025, days after Mkhwanazi accused Cele of receiving money from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently facing charges including attempted murder and money laundering. The allegation was made public before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where Cele was giving testimony.
However, on 23 October, Mkhwanazi reportedly sent a private message to Advocate Norman Arendse, apologising for and withdrawing the statement. The retraction, delivered via text message, sparked outrage from Adams, who accused the KZN top cop of undermining the dignity and integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
“This is not a WhatsApp group. This is Parliament,” Adams told eNCA, arguing that Mkhwanazi’s withdrawal should have been made publicly before the same committee where the original claim was stated. According to Adams, the informal manner of retraction constituted perjury — lying under oath — given that the false claim was first made in an official setting.
The NCC leader further criticised Mkhwanazi for failing to provide any proof to back his initial allegations, despite holding a press briefing on 6 July in which he promised transparency. “Since then, he has not presented a single piece of evidence. Mkhwanazi must not take South Africa for a joke. We are not all blind,” Adams said.
The controversy has reignited debates about credibility and accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Mkhwanazi, who has built a reputation as a hardline reformer within the force, now faces mounting scrutiny from political figures and members of the public who are demanding clarity on his conduct.
The issue also casts new light on internal tensions within SAPS and between provincial commissioners and national leadership. The alleged link between Bheki Cele and Vusimuzi Matlala — though since retracted — has already caused significant political ripples. Cele has not commented publicly on Adams’s charge but previously denied any financial dealings with Matlala.
Legal experts note that perjury is a serious criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment if proven in court. The case could potentially test the boundaries of parliamentary accountability and freedom of speech for officials testifying under oath.
As of now, the police have confirmed receipt of the complaint, and investigations are expected to follow standard legal procedure. Meanwhile, Adams insists his actions are not politically motivated but rather aimed at ensuring “truth and transparency” in the country’s highest offices.
“Mkhwanazi cannot just make reckless allegations and walk away from them quietly,” Adams said. “If we want a country built on honesty and justice, the same rules must apply to everyone — including the police commissioner himself.”
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