Bheki Cele says most SAPS members ‘doing a good job’

Police Minister Bheki Cele has come to the defence of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have come under fire following the assault of three people on the N1 highway in Johannesburg.

Eight SAPS officers, who were part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security team, went viral in July after video of them physically attacking three men on the side of the road was circulated online. The victims are members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

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CELE DENIES CULTURE OF IMPUNITY WITHIN SAPS

Appearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Bheki Cele was asked some tough questions, including about the conduct of some SAPS officers.

Cele told the committee that most SAPS members were law-abiding citizens who are committed to their jobs. He added that some of their more dedicated members were losing their lives, including in the line of duty.

“Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), many of them are doing a good job. That is why those doing serious work are gunned down, including the Hawks … unfortunately the number of police that have been killed on and off duty this quarter has increased,” he said.

POLICE MINISTER SPEAKS ON VIP HIGHWAY ASSAULT

Bheki Cele admitted that the N1 highway assault by VIP officers doesn’t reflect very well on SAPS, saying in part: “The negative impact, narrative by the actions of SAPS members attached to work with the deputy president has indeed put us on a back foot.”

The VIP protection officers face several charges, including assault, pointing of a firearm, attempting to defeat the ends of justice and negligent driving.

The accused were subsequently suspended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and will also be subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings. They are, however, still receiving their full salaries.

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