POLICE RAID ON PUBLIC PROTECTOR'S OFFICE VIOLATES CONSTITUTION

 "The raid on the office of the Public Protector by the Police's Crime Intelligence Unit violates the Constitution and is an attack on our democracy. The Public Protector is a Chapter 9 institution in the Constitution and is a state institution in support of constitutional democracy. It is difficult to believe that the raid took place without the knowledge of the Police Commissioner, Gen. Bheki Cele.

This action shows that Cele should be suspended immediately until the Special Investigative Unit had concluded its case. The Crime Intelligence Unit's action reminds of the Police's action against the Scorpions when they were investigating Jackie Selebi. South Africa can not live through another scandal like that," Mr. Pieter Groenewald (MP), chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus said.

"The FF Plus will be asking the President in writing to take action and suspend Cele until the investigation has been concluded," Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Mr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Chief Spokesperson: Police, March 3 2011

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