Former police minister Bheki Cele expressed deep distress at allegations that he possesses knowledge about the 1987 disappearance of anti-apartheid activist Musawakhe 'Sbho' Phewa.During testimony at the TRC inquiry, Cele denied knowing more about Phewa's fate, stating he first learned of the allegations during the hearing.The family of Phewa, who was allegedly abducted by security forces, submitted an affidavit accusing Cele of withholding information.Cele admitted Phewa went missing while he was in detention but denied writing a biography about him.The case highlights ongoing tensions around political interference and the suppression of TRC-related prosecutions.

Cele acknowledged his refusal to fund legal costs for prosecuting apartheid-era officers contributed to stalled cases, though he remains conflicted about the use of taxpayer funds for such prosecutions.The inquiry seeks to uncover how political decisions impacted the pursuit of justice for victims of state violence.