MINISTER NHLEKO'S UTTERANCES UNFORTUNATE

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip has noted with concern the utterances made by the Minister of Police, Cde Nathi Nhleko, regarding the manner in which Parliament handled his request in connection with IPID Head Robert McBride's court outcome.

The Minister's statement unfortunately cast aspersions on the Speaker of the National Assembly and reflects disrespectfully against Parliament as an institution. Both the Speaker and Parliament's handling of the Minister's request and the fulfillment of their responsibilities as enjoined by the Court judgment enjoy our full support. The Minister's request was processed firmly in line with the rules and processes of Parliament, taking into account its constitutional obligations.

The Minister's posture and tone, including certain inferences he made against ANC Caucus' internal structures, were unnecessary and unwarranted. We concurr with the Speaker that the intervention of the Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, must be immediately sought regarding the Minister's remarks.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, 21 October 2016