Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns about Police Minister Bheki Cele’s travel expenses following his trip to KwaZulu-Natal for a media briefing, despite welcoming the arrest of murder suspects.
According to The Citizen, while the party expressed appreciation for the arrest of the Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes murder suspects, it rebuked Cele for conducting a press conference with the intention “to show South Africa that Saps is doing its job it is supposed to be doing”.
The DA questioned the cost of the briefing and requested a breakdown of expenses, particularly related to flights, accommodation, and transport, the report said.
The police ministry disclosed that the estimated cost of using the Saps Cessna Sovereign aircraft for the trip was R176 945.
Cele previously faced criticism for using a police helicopter at an ANC event, prompting calls for investigation into the use of state resources for political purposes.
Bheki Cele arrived at Moses Mabhida stadium in a police helicopter wearing ANC t-shirt. He then took to the sky for aerial view. Police unions are silent. pic.twitter.com/o7QGVpsEVw
— Bra Hloni (@BraHlonisky) February 25, 2024
However, the police defended Cele’s actions, saying that he was fulfilling his duty to ensure safety and security at public gatherings.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
