The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Monday submitted a complaint with the Office of the Public Protector against Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, for using an official SAPS helicopter to transport him to the ANC’s manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The African National Congress (ANC) launched its manifesto ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Government Elections, taking place on 29 May, just two weeks after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held their own manifesto event at the same venue.
In a video shared on social media, the minister is seen arriving by a branded SAPS helicopter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, sparking criticism with many South Africans accusing him of abusing taxpayer funds.
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South Africa’s official opposition party said Minister Cele continues to burn through taxpayer Rands for his personal benefit.
“This is the second time in quick succession that Cele has abused taxpayer funds. Just last year, hundreds of thousands of Rands were spent on his personal assistant to travel with him to the Rugby World Cup Final in France despite it being a privately funded trip. The Public Protector is already investigating this matter as well,” said the DA.
Responding to the criticism, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Cele was making use of the helicopter in his capacity as police minister.
“The SAPS chopper, just like in any other major event, was deployed to the ANC manifesto to monitor the large crowd.
“We utilise the choppers to avert stampedes and any other life-threatening incidents associated with major events,” Mathe explained.
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