BHEKI CELE KZN RELIEF FUNDS

Police Minister Bheki Cele has issued a warning to any politician looking to profit for the KZN relief funds – Image: Twitter/SAPoliceService

‘Politicians who steal KZN relief funds WILL be arrested’ – Bheki Cele

Anyone who so much as TOUCHES the KZN relief funds that aren’t meant for them will be ‘handled by the law’, Bheki Cele has stated.

BHEKI CELE KZN RELIEF FUNDS

Police Minister Bheki Cele has issued a warning to any politician looking to profit for the KZN relief funds – Image: Twitter/SAPoliceService

We’ll hold you to that, minister. Bheki Cele has issued a stern warning for any politically-connected grifters who are looking to plunder the KZN relief funds, after a State of Disaster declaration freed up a ‘financial war-chest’ to help rebuild the weather-ravaged province. However, can our elected officials be trusted?

Cynicism greets news of KZN flood relief funds

Confidence in the ability of our political leaders to distribute disaster funds to the public – rather than pocketing them for their own selfish gains – took a major hit two years ago. A large number of ANC comrades chowed the multi-billion rand package meant to help cushion the blow of the COVID pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns.

This feeding frenzy left a permanent scar on the way all spheres of government are perceived in Mzansi.

Now, with the handling of another disaster being entrusted with our public officials, the concerns have risen once more – and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala’s decision to commandeer a water tank for himself has only raised suspicions.

Bheki Cele says ‘red-handers’ will be brought to justice

Police Minister Bheki Cele insists things will be different this time, though. Addressing the media on Monday, the ANC stalwart declared that any politician caught with their hands in the till ‘will be arrested’.

“People who plunder and steal this money will be arrested, it’s simple. President Ramaphosa has issued strict instructions here. It’d be good if people didn’t wait for the police, and instead listened to their conscience. The situation is desire in KZN. I’ve seen a family of 12 reduced to just two. If you steal these funds, you are an animal.”

Bheki Cele

KZN flood relief funds latest: Critics ‘struggle to believe’ Bheki Cele’s anti-corruption message

Herman Mashaba, however, has already cast doubt on Minister Cele’s promise to the public. The ActionSA leader says that such guarantees are useless, when corruption has been so rampant in South Africa over the years.

“I guess it is an opportune time for the Police Minister to start with those who have been looting over the last 28 years. Maybe we will have more confidence and believe in him if he start with those known cases.”

Herman Mashaba