UPDATE ON PUBLIC PROTECTOR REPORT ON POLICE LEASES: THE MATTER RELATING TO THE NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER

President Jacob Zuma continues to work on the reports of the Public Protector relating to complaints and allegations of maladministration as well as improper and unlawful conduct in relation to the lease of office accommodation for SAPS in Pretoria and Durban.

The President is currently in discussion with the National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele, in relation to the matters affecting him in the two reports.

On the 29th of August 2011, the President issued a notice to the National Commissioner in terms of section 9(1) read with section 8(3)(a) of the South African Police Act, 68 of 1995 as amended.

Section 9(1) read with section 8(1) to (8) empowers the President to establish a board of inquiry to enquire into allegations of misconduct against the National Commissioner and make findings and recommendations as contemplated in section8(6)(b).

In terms of this notice the President informed the National Commissioner that he intends to institute an inquiry into allegations of misconduct in relation to the procurement of both leases as per the findings of the Public Protector. The National Commissioner was afforded an opportunity to make representations as to why the President should not suspend him pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The National Commissioner has since responded comprehensively to the President´s notice, and the President is considering his representations.

The National Commissioner is cooperating fully with the President in this process.

President Zuma continues to process other recommendations relating to other parties.

As stated in previous communication, most of the matters the President is working on cannot be discussed in full without prejudicing affected parties. He will continue to follow due process to ensure that the matters are disposed of using correct procedures.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, September 22 2011

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