FF Plus demands answers regarding peace mission fiasco

19 June 2023

The FF Plus demands that Maj. Gen. Wally Rhoode must appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police to explain the fiasco in Poland involving President Cyril Ramaphosa's security detail.

Maj. Gen. Rhoode, head of the presidential protection unit, was part of the security group denied entry into Poland. According to the Polish authorities, there had been problems with documents and permits for goods and personnel.

According to a media report (News24, 18 June 2023: Ramaphosa’s protection team ignored warnings about Polish permits), air force officials had warned the "leadership" of the security contingency about this.

It seems that they were specifically informed about the documentation required to travel with certain goods and personnel. This warning was, however, ignored.

Still, Maj. Gen. Rhoode decided to have an impromptu media conference on the plane's steps at the Chopin Airport and accused Poland of racism.

By making such rash statements, Maj. Gen. Rhoode entered the political arena. It is not appropriate for a member of the police to make such statements, and he must be called to account.

Clarity must also be provided on why such a large security contingency was needed, and why they had taken weapons along.

I will ask the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, whether a permit was issued for the weapons, and he must also indicate how many weapons and how much ammunition was taken along.

What transpired here is to be expected when it comes to any form of planning by the ANC government. It is, however, still an embarrassment for the whole of South Africa, and the country and its people deserve answers.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 19 June 2023