The President is working on the Public Protector reports

The Presidency has noted media reports and speculation relating to the report of the Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, on the lease of South African Police Service offices.

The President is currently attending to the contents of the report. He has to, amongst other things, engage with the Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa and the Minister of Public Works, Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde on the content. In dealing with a matter of such seriousness, it is imperative that due process be followed.

The Public Protector indicated to the President recently that she is still working on the complaint relating to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Mr Sicelo Shiceka. Mr Shiceka recently gave the President his own report on the allegations levelled against him. The matter is currently being held in abeyance pending the Public Protector's report and other matters that require the President's attention.

We have also noted the reports claiming that the President met with the National Police Commissioner, General Bheki Cele, and discussed with him a diplomatic posting to Japan. This is false and totally without foundation. No such discussion has ever taken place.

Statement issued by Mr Mac Maharaj, Spokesperson to the President, July 22 2011

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