MP Fadiel Adams Files Perjury Charges Against KZN Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi Over Retracted Corruption Claims Involving Bheki Cele
In a bold move that has stirred up South Africa’s political and policing circles, National Coloured Congress (NCC) MP Fadiel Adams has opened a perjury case against KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The charges stem from Mkhwanazi’s explosive testimony before a parliamentary committee, where he accused former Police Minister Bheki Cele of involvement in shady financial dealings—claims he later withdrew. Adams laid the complaint at Cape Town Central Police Station on Monday, 28 October 2025, insisting that a simple text message retraction does not cut it when statements are made under oath in Parliament.
This development has sparked heated debates online and in communities, with many questioning the reliability of top cops and the accountability of public figures. As crime remains a hot-button issue in Mzansi, the case highlights tensions between law enforcement leaders and politicians, especially amid ongoing probes into corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). 0 “MP Fadiel Adams outside Cape Town Central Police Station after laying perjury charges against Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.” “LARGE”
The Explosive Allegation: What Mkhwanazi Claimed About Bheki Cele
The drama kicked off during Mkhwanazi’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, a high-profile probe into allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political meddling in the criminal justice system. Set up to dig into deep-rooted issues within SAPS, the commission—chaired by figures linked to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and involving evidence from key players—has heard shocking claims since September 2025.
In his appearance, Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell: He alleged that Cele had sent a bank account number (not in his own name) to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tenderpreneur facing attempted murder charges. According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala then deposited money into that account, hinting at corrupt ties. This painted Cele as enabling criminals to worm their way into police ranks, fueling wider talks about interference that has hampered crime-fighting efforts.
Mkhwanazi, who took the stand as the first witness on 8 September 2025, also spoke of broader problems like political pressure and corruption in SAPS leadership. His words carried weight, given his reputation for tough anti-crime ops in KZN, where he has led crackdowns on gangs and syndicates. 2 “KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission.” “LARGE”
The Sudden Retraction: An SMS Apology Raises Eyebrows
Just days after his testimony, on 23 October 2025, Mkhwanazi backtracked. In a message sent via SMS to the commission—reportedly drafted with help from Advocate Norman Arendse—he admitted his team had used wrong banking details. He withdrew the claim against Cele, saying it was based on faulty info, and offered an apology for “any inconvenience or hurt caused.”
This flip-flop came after Cele himself testified on 24 October 2025, denying any wrongdoing and expressing shock at the accusations. Cele called Mkhwanazi “blinded by his popularity” but added that the commissioner is “human like you and I” and “makes mistakes.” He has not forgiven the slur but seemed open to moving on, even praising Mkhwanazi’s work in some areas.
However, the retraction’s informal nature—a text instead of a sworn statement back in Parliament—did not sit well with everyone. Legal experts note that testimony under oath carries heavy weight, and retracting via message might not fully undo the damage or meet legal standards.
Fadiel Adams Steps In: Laying Charges for Accountability
Not one to let it slide, Adams acted swiftly. As NCC leader and an MP known for championing coloured community rights and calling out injustices, he filed the perjury charge, arguing that Mkhwanazi lied under oath. “The general came into Parliament and lied under oath. He sends a WhatsApp message, SMS—this is not a WhatsApp group, this is Parliament,” Adams said in a video statement outside the police station.
Adams stressed it’s not personal but about holding leaders accountable. In his affidavit, he highlighted how such false claims erode public trust in SAPS and confuse ongoing investigations. He also questioned Mkhwanazi’s overall credibility, pointing to a lack of evidence in other allegations and even accusing the commissioner of covering for corrupt elements. “This man appears to be fighting crime but is covering up for the corrupt,” Adams claimed.
Western Cape police have confirmed the case is registered, but KZN police had no comment by deadline. Adams also raised concerns about Mkhwanazi accessing classified info without proper clearance, calling him a “walking contradiction.”
Bheki Cele’s Take: Surprise, No Forgiveness, But Recognition of Humanity
Cele, the hat-wearing former minister famous for his no-nonsense style, was caught off guard by the initial claims. During his own commission appearance, he denied any ties to Matlala or improper dealings, saying he hasn’t forgiven Mkhwanazi. Yet, he acknowledged the commissioner’s errors as human slips, even suggesting Mkhwanazi deserves awards like a Grammy or Ballon d’Or for his anti-crime efforts—mixed with a jab at his “daft” mistakes.
Cele’s history includes serving as National Police Commissioner from 2009 to 2011 and Police Minister from 2018 to 2024. He’s been both praised for tough talk on crime and criticised for issues like police abuses, which rose 32% under his watch according to some reports. 4 “Former Police Minister Bheki Cele, who denied the allegations and called for accountability.” “LARGE”
Public and Online Reactions: Support for Mkhwanazi, Jabs at Adams
The story has blown up on social media, with many backing Mkhwanazi as a crime-fighter. Comments like “The only people against General Mkhwanazi are either criminals or beneficiaries of criminality” reflect strong support. Others called for Adams to be probed over past weapon displays, questioning if he had licences.
Critics of Adams labelled him a “clown” or suggested amending MP rules to bar “nyaope” (a street drug) influences—harsh digs at his style. Some accused him of diverting attention, with one post noting he’s “panicking since the 6th of July 2025.” On the flip side, a few praised Adams for demanding truth, saying “not all of us are blind.”
The backlash shows divides: Mkhwanazi’s fans see him as a hero tackling KZN’s violence, while skeptics worry about unchecked power.
The Madlanga Commission: Probing Deep-Rooted Police Corruption
At the heart is the Madlanga Commission, an ad hoc body investigating claims by Mkhwanazi and others about corruption in SAPS. Named after or linked to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya (earlier reports mentioned Madlanga, possibly a mix-up with former Chief Justice Mogoeng or a specific panel), it probes criminal networks infiltrating police, political interference, and more.
Hearings started in September 2025, with Mkhwanazi as lead witness. Cele and others, like implicated officers, have testified. The commission aims to clean up SAPS, but revelations have exposed rifts, including Mkhwanazi’s claims of ministers enabling criminals.
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