In a stark assessment of the nation’s law enforcement, former Police Minister Bheki Cele declared the state of South African policing “disastrous” during a media briefing following his testimony before an ad hoc committee of inquiry on Wednesday.
Cele, who appeared before the committee established by the President, stated that his intention was to assist the body in its work. “I guess one didn’t come here as a charge person, as a criminal, but indeed one would have been open to see that the commission put by the president were trying to clarify something,” he told reporters. He expressed overall satisfaction with the proceedings, noting the interaction was civil and conducted with courtesy.
The former minister’s testimony was followed by questions regarding recent developments within the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically the withdrawal of allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Well, surely it has happened. I accept that he has done it,” Cele said in response. He added that he would be open to a discussion with Mkhwanazi, describing him as “a person that is easy to speak to.”
Pressed by journalists on how the police service begins to address systemic issues—including serious allegations made in July that implicated several high-ranking officials—Cele was circumspect about the path forward.
“Where does it start? I think this process is trying to do that,” he said, referring to the ongoing committee of inquiry. However, he tempered expectations for a quick resolution, indicating a lengthy process lies ahead.
“But I suspect it should take a long time to reach the end,” Cele stated, offering a sobering outlook on the challenge of reforming the police service.
The ad hoc committee continues its work to investigate the matters before it.
