The office of National Commissioner is concerned by false reporting in some sections of the media regarding the Public Protector's report released at a press conference on 22 February 2011.

We have taken the time to read the comprehensive report by the office of Ms Thuli Madonsela. Nowhere in the report does the Public Protector find General Bheki Cele "guilty" of anything.

However, we are witnessing a developing trend to use the word "guilty" in association with the recent findings. For example, today's The Times newspaper reads, "The report was made public last month. It found national police commissioner Bheki Cele guilty of improper conduct and maladministration...".

We request The Times newspaper, the eNews Channel and other media who continue to use this word to show us where it appears in the report or any other correspondence emanating from the office of the Public Protector.

We would also request the office of the Public Protector to challenge the abuse of the word. Such false reporting creates the impression that General Bheki Cele was tried in a court of law, whereas the fact is that the National Commissioner has not been accused of criminality.

Most media have also failed to note that, although the Sunday Times of 1 August 2010 trumpeted "Brass baffled as top cop suddenly signs lease for new HQ" and went on to state that it was in possession of a "lease agreement .... signed by Cele", the same Public Protector's report totally exonerated General Cele of having been involved in the signing of the lease. Perhaps a front page correction on this blatant lie would be in order.

Statement issued by SAPS national media centre, March 10 2011

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