AfriForum wants Cele's dismissal

31 March 2021  

The civil rights organisation AfriForum has written to Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police to vacate his office.

AfriForum is of the opinion that Cele has repeatedly shown through his actions, negligence and statements that he is not fit for such a cardinal role in a country that is paralysed by crime.

The recent disclosure that the internal systems of the South African Police Service (SAPS) that are used to file exhibits, amongst others, and the system on which firearms are issued to members of the police have been non-functional for months, is only one such example. The systems were switched off following months of alleged defaulting by the police. Furthermore, the SAPS apparently did not heed court orders and other structures of authority regarding payment for these systems. The fact that these systems are not functioning properly is detrimental to the entire criminal justice system.

“Cele’s bullying attitude when he gets involved in police operations is imitated by many of his subordinates, with the result that the SAPS acts violently towards members of the public for unfounded reasons on a regular basis. AfriForum has assisted numerous citizens and has also helped to sue the SAPS for damages,” said Marnus Kamfer, AfriForum’s Legal and Risk Manager for Community Safety.

“During a recent television interview, the Minister even admitted that he did not know who the Head of Crime Intelligence was. His attitude is careless and his personal views overshadow his judgment to do his work properly. The SAPS is crumbling under his leadership,” Kamfer concluded.

AfriForum has launched a campaign to canvass the public’s support in putting pressure on the president to get rid of the Minister.

Find the letter to the president attached.

Issued by Andrea van Wyk, Media Relations Officer, AfriForum, 31 March 2021