PRESS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 03 MARCH 2011
The unlawful raid of the august office of the public protector by the police force is a blatant act of intimidation by General Bheki Cele. This disgraceful conduct has all the hallmarks of a man who has no regard for the law and the protocol required among state eminent institutions.
The public protector, as a chapter 9 institution, is one of the most important organ of state in the deepening and protection of our constitutional democracy.
COPE dismisses with all the contempt is deserves the attempt by the police general to play ignorant of the actions of his police. We have no doubt that the raid carried his blessings as was the case with the unlawful arrest of Mzilikazi Wa-Africa, the journalist who broke the scandal.
It is clear that General Cele has no grasp of the decorum and the responsibility that goes with his office. He has demonstrated sheer contempt for the law and our constitutional dispensation. We once again call upon President Jacob Zuma to show leadership and act on his promise to rid our government of contemptuous behaviour and corruption.
He must fire General Cele and demonstrate to our country that the police head despicable action do not carry his approval. There’s no doubt that this was an act of intimidation and this was General Cele’s show of force.
ISSUED BY MLULEKI GEORGE ON BEHLAF OF COPE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL HIM AT 082 990 3278 OR SIPHO NGWEMA @ 082 4998111.
