ANC STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF BHEKOKWAKHE (BHEKI) HAMILTON CELE AS THE NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the appointment of Bheki Cele as the National Police Commissioner.

In its election manifesto which enjoyed the overwhelming support of the electorate, the ANC identified fighting crime as one of its top most priority.  President Jacob Zuma during the State of the Nation Address also pronounced on the seriousness and commitment of his administration to prioritise and fight crime in the next five years. The Ministry of Police has also spoken about "Operation Washa Tsotsi" which is aimed at eradicating criminals in our communities.

With Bheki Cele at the helm of the Police, we believe that they will be able to discharge this responsibility with vigour and determination.

Cele has been in the forefront of fighting crime in KwaZulu Natal.

In 1994 he served as a Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee in the legislature. Since 2004 he has been the Member of the Executive Council responsible for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison.

Since his appointment as the MEC, Bheki Cele defended the weak in KwaZulu-Natal Province which saw him being thrown into the deep end of the taxi conflict and pioneering the initiative "Catching Crime on the Highway". He is also behind the "Zero Tolerance to 100% compliance in KwaZulu Natal" for all road traffic laws.

Cele asserted that the weakest in our society, including the disabled, women and children must enjoy the best of state protection against what he refers to as "predators that must be removed from our society".

The ANC wishes him well in his new responsibilities and call on its members and society to work with the new commissioner and police in the fight against crime.

Working together we can more to fight crime and corruption.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress National Spokesperson, July 29 2009

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter