Mahlanga commission drama as Cele reveals alleged Tembisa gangster’s 43 cash heists

Dramatic testimony at the Mahlanga Commission highlights alleged failures in policing and justice, as Bheki Cele reveals a Tembisa suspect linked to 43 cash-in-transit heists and multiple bail releases (image source)

Explosive testimony at the Mahlanga Commission took a dramatic turn on Thursday when former South African Police Minister Bheki Cele referenced a notorious Tembisa figure known as “Bebe,” alleging the suspect is linked to 43 cash-heist incidents and has mounted five separate bail applications — yet remains at liberty. The revelations intensified scrutiny of policing failures, alleged collusion and systemic rot within the South African Police Service (SAPS), which the commission is examining.

Cele’s disclosure came during a session focused on how organised-crime networks exploit weaknesses in law-enforcement processes and the extent to which corrupt or negligent officials have enabled repeat offending. He argued that the “Bebe” case typifies a broader pattern in which prolific offenders accumulate multiple charges and continue operating while prosecutions stall and community-policing responses remain fragmented.

Weak accountability under the spotlight

Witnesses said gaps between arrest, indictment and trial allow serial offenders to exploit procedural delays. A retired prosecutor cited case-management failures, under-resourced investigative units and slow forensic turnaround times as key drivers of backlogs that enable re-offending. Defence lawyers warned that lawful bail and presumption of innocence must remain safeguarded — but agreed stronger supervision of high-risk suspects is critical to protect communities.

Cele said these dynamics erode public confidence and embolden criminal gangs, especially in areas plagued by cash-in-transit robberies. He warned the commission that widespread perception of zero consequences fuels community mistrust of SAPS.

Calls for urgent reform

Commissioners pressed senior police officials for data on arrest-to-conviction timelines, oversight of repeat bailees, and disciplinary consistency where officers are implicated in corruption. Reforms under consideration include tighter bail monitoring, integrated information systems and improved vetting of private security contractors tied to cash-heist operations.

Community leaders urged immediate operational changes, including dedicated case-tracking units and strengthened witness protection, saying residents are living in fear of visible re-offending and retaliation against whistle-blowers. Victim advocates asked for clearer performance metrics to ensure reforms deliver real reductions in violent crime.

The Mahlanga panel now faces rising pressure to translate testimony into decisive recommendations addressing both procedural failures and misconduct within SAPS ranks. Commissioners signalled that upcoming hearings will cross-reference evidence to determine whether legislative, policy or disciplinary action is required to prevent prolific offenders from exploiting weak justice systems and undermining public safety.