Bheki Cele implicated at Zondo commission

Bheki Cele implicated at Zondo commission

An official in the crime intelligence unit, Colonel Dhanajaya Naidoo, has implicated Police Minister Bheki Cele in benefitting from the looting of the slush fund. 

Police Minister Bheki Cele
Flickr

Naidoo is testifying for a second day at the commission of inquiry into state capture.

He has been in witness protection since 2011 as the Hawks believe his life to be in danger. 

READ: Zondo commission hears how journalist, Ranjeni Munusamy was allegedly paid by crime intelligence

On Monday, he told the commission that when Cele was still the national commissioner of police he had several meetings with former crime intelligence CFO Solomon 'Solly' Lazarus. 

Naidoo claimed on one occasion a meeting was held at the house of Durban businessman Panganathan “Timmie” Marimuthu. 

He believed the meeting was scheduled by Marimuthu as Lazarus had told him it was difficult to get a meeting with Cele. 

Naidoo explained that he did not know what the meeting was about as he was not allowed in the actual meeting room. However, Lazarus instructed him to bring R40 000 to Marimuthu's house once Cele arrived. 

"There was no attempt to organise cash in the period we waited for Mr. Cele to arrive, it was only closer to the time General Bheki Cele arrived that this arrangement to get the cash. So an assumption again on my side this is why I believe the money was given to General Cele and not Mr. Marimuthu."

ALSO READ: Zuma supporters head to Zondo Commission

He also said he heard rumours claiming Cele was involved in awarding tenders to Marimuthu.

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