Police Minister Bheki Cele doesn’t intend apologising just yet after being found guilty of breaching the code of conduct for MPs during an SAPS imbizo where he told crime activist Ian Cameron to “shut up”.
POLICE Minister Bheki Cele doesn’t intend apologising just yet after being found guilty of breaching the code of conduct for MPs during an SAPS imbizo where he told crime activist Ian Cameron to “shut up”.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Cele said he “did not agree” with the decision of Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, which found that he had breached the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent National Council of Provinces Members.
The committee recommended to the National Assembly that Cele enter an apology in the House for his conduct toward Cameron.
“There are steps which we will be taking going forward. The matter will be taken on review because we do not agree (with the recommendation made),” said Cele.
Responding to Cele’s comments, Cameron said: “I think it’s quite sad that Minister Cele will now get involved in reviews and appeals, instead of doing what should be done to change the crime picture in South Africa.
“He shouldn’t be getting involved in a sideshow, and if I were him I would just acknowledge by apologising and see what I can do to change the fact that 70 people get murdered per day in South Africa.”
An irate Cele was captured shouting at Cameron and “wagged his finger” at him and went further to warn Cameron, saying in a threatening tone “don’t provoke me”.
According to the committee, it was alleged that Cele “did not behave in the calm and dignified manner required by the high office he holds”.
The Ethics Committee said it had viewed footage relating to the complaint, and it showed Cele becoming irate.
