National Police Minister must apologise for his false statements
20 February 2020
During the reply to the President’s State of the Nation Address in Parliament yesterday, Bheki Cele, the National Minister of Police, through his false statements, showed his complete lack of understanding of the law and utter disrespect for the people of Cape Town.
Minister Cele should apologise to the people of Cape Town for his disgraceful utterances. I trust President Cyril Ramaphosa will look into Minister Cele’s comments and take appropriate action regarding his attempts at obstructing the City and Provincial governments’ efforts in trying to bring extra policing where he, as the National Minister, has failed.
Minister Cele, who was fired as National Police Commissioner in 2012, is quoted as saying that the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement officers are operating ‘outside legislative structures,’ and that they do not have the required documentation. This is absolute nonsense and shows the Minister’s complete lack of understanding of the laws of our country.
The City’s Law Enforcement officers are appointed 100% in line with the Criminal Procedure Act and meet all the requirements set out in the notice issued by the Minister of Justice. Officers receive all the necessary training, and every certificate and piece of paperwork is in place and signed off by the relevant authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS). All City staff who carry firearms are fully competent to do so and have the required legal authority.