Cope wants Cele suspension, probe

2010-09-07 17:16

Cape Town - Cope has called on President Jacob Zuma to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into the nature of national police chief General Bheki Cele's involvement in a controversial R760m building rental agreement.

Zuma should also send Cele on a "leave of absence" until the matter is sorted out, Congress of the People leader Mosiuoa Lekota told reporters at Parliament on Tuesday.

Reports in a weekend newspaper suggested that Cele had lied to Parliament's police portfolio committee about the matter last week.

This was denied by Cele in a statement on Monday.

Lekota said South Africa was facing a "crisis of moral leadership".

"No institution is as crucial as policing when it comes to making sure the law of the land is obeyed and respected."

He noted that Cele's predecessor, Jackie Selebi, was recently convicted of corruption.

"The president must now take the lead in ensuring that public confidence is restored in the leadership of the SA Police Service.

"If he is going to do that, it is vital that not only does the government accede to a judicial commission of inquiry, but steps must be taken by the president to give General Bheki Cele leave of absence."

This was necessary so that "those who do the investigation, must do so unafraid of being victimised", he said.

Cope MP Mluleki George said a judicial commission of inquiry was necessary "to help the country ascertain whether or not (Cele) has wilfully involved himself in a shady and dodgy deal and forced officers with integrity who opposed the deal to leave the service".

Responding to a question, Cope MP Philip Dexter said a letter requesting the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry would be sent to Zuma's office later on Tuesday.

- SAPA