President should put Cele on leave

16 November 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa must put the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, on leave while the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks) investigates his alleged involvement in irregularities.

The irregularities relate to the leasing of police stations in Pretoria and Durban in 2010 while Cele served as the National Commissioner of Police

The total amount of the lease contracts amounted to R1,5 billion.

In 2011, the Public Protector (PP) found in one of two reports on the matter that Cele acted unlawfully.

He was dismissed from his office as National Commissioner in 2012 and although a court set aside his dismissal in 2019, the investigation has now been re-opened.

It is unheard of that an investigation unit tasked with investigating a minister must also report to that same minister, so, the president must put Cele on leave.

Earlier this year, I sent a letter to the President requesting him to put Minister Cele on leave amid allegations of irregularities.

In the letter, I requested that a judicial commission of inquiry must be established after Deputy Police Commissioner, Lt Gen. Francinah Vuma, made serious allegations of corruption against Cele.

Lt Gen. Vuma alleged, among other things, that Cele had once again interfered with the awarding of contracts to certain service providers

For the sake of the proper administration of justice, I am once again calling on President Ramaphosa to grant my request so that an independent investigation can be conducted.

The office of the Minister of Police is significant and the person filling that position cannot be shrouded in controversy.

It is imperative that a commission conducts a thorough investigation to prove Cele's innocence – if he is indeed innocent – so he can be above suspicion.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 16 November 2022