FIRE CELE AND MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS

 "The Police Commissioner, Gen. Bheki Cele and the Minister of Public Works, Ms. Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, should be fired immediately. It is clear from the report of the Public Protector that the tender procedures were not followed correctly, that various laws were contravened and that there is not a need for the renting of the Sanlam Middestad Building for R500 million over a period of ten years. It appears as if Cele wants to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Jackie Selebi," Mr. Pieter Groenewald, who submitted the complaint with the Public Protector and chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus says.

"If President Zuma is serious about his comments that corruption should be eradicated, he should fire both the Commissioner and the Minister because he appointed both. If he does not do it he makes a mockery of clean administration and promotes corruption. Especially the actions of the Minister of Public Works to continue with the signing of the rental agreement despite an internal committee and senior advocate's advice not to continue with the contract, creates the impression of corruption. More questions are arising about the firing of the former Minister of Public Works, Minister Geoff Doidge, who stopped the process to wait for the report of the Pubic Protector. The Freedom Front Plus will after carefully studying the report, decide whether criminal charges will be laid," Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Mr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Chief Spokesperson: Police, February 22 2011

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