Bheki Cele Denies Any Involvement in Sbho Phewa Disappearance at TRC Cases Inquiry
Former National Police Commissioner and former Police Minister Bheki Cele has strongly denied any knowledge of, or involvement in, the disappearance of anti apartheid activist Musawakhe “Sbho” Phewa, telling the TRC Cases Inquiry that allegations linking him to the decades old case are false and deeply distressing.
Appearing before the inquiry on Tuesday, Cele dismissed claims that he knew what happened to Phewa, insisting he had no connection to the activist’s disappearance. His testimony comes as the inquiry continues to revisit unresolved cases from South Africa’s apartheid past, many of which have left families searching for answers for decades.
“I had nothing to do with the disappearance,” Cele told the inquiry.
He added that allegations suggesting he had any knowledge of the case were “untrue and deeply hurtful”, firmly rejecting any attempt to associate him with Phewa’s fate.
The TRC Cases Inquiry is investigating unresolved matters linked to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Its work focuses on long outstanding apartheid era cases that were never fully investigated or prosecuted, with the aim of uncovering the truth, establishing accountability where possible, and providing long awaited answers to victims’ families.
During his evidence, Cele addressed allegations that have circulated over the years regarding his alleged knowledge of Phewa’s disappearance. He maintained that he has no information about what happened to the activist and said there is no factual basis for claims connecting him to the case.
The inquiry is also examining why numerous apartheid era investigations remained unresolved for years despite recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Current and former government officials, investigators and other witnesses are being called to testify as the commission pieces together what happened in some of South Africa’s most painful unresolved cases.
For many families, the proceedings represent another opportunity to uncover the truth after years of unanswered questions. The inquiry continues to examine whether investigative failures, institutional shortcomings or other factors prevented justice from being served.
At this stage, no findings have been made against Bheki Cele. His testimony forms part of the ongoing hearings, which are expected to continue with evidence from additional witnesses in the coming days.
As the inquiry progresses, its findings could play a significant role in shedding new light on unresolved apartheid era crimes and the long search for accountability in South Africa.
