Bheki Cele
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The Honourable Bheki Cele MP |
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Cele at a press conference in June 2010
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| Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | |
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Assumed office 25 May 2014 |
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| President | Jacob Zuma |
| Minister | Senzeni Zokwana |
| Preceded by | Pieter Mulder |
| National Commissioner of the South African Police Service | |
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In office 2009–2011 |
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| Preceded by | Jackie Selebi |
| Succeeded by | Riah Phiyega |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 April 1952 |
Bhekokwakhe "Bheki" Hamilton Cele (born 22 April 1952) is the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries since 25 May 2014 and was the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service until October 2011, when he was suspended from duty, due to allegations of corruption. He was appointed to this position in July 2009, replacing Jackie Selebi, who was suspended in January 2008 following charges of corruption. Previously he held the post of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport, Safety and Security in KwaZulu-Natal. He is a member of the African National Congress.
General Bheki Cele was dismissed as national police chief in June, 2012. "I have decided to release General Cele from his duties," Zuma told reporters in Pretoria.
He referred to the board of inquiry mandated to establish whether Cele acted corruptly, dishonestly, or with an undeclared conflict of interest in relation to two police lease deals signed with business tycoon Roux Shabangu—one for a building in Pretoria, another for a building in Durban.
"The board has found General Cele to be unfit for office and has recommended his removal from office in terms of the provisions of section 8(6)(b)(v) of the South African Police Service Act No. 68 of 1995," said Zuma.
Despite this, in November 2013, he was placed on the ANC's list of preferred candidates to go to parliament.
In January 2014, he attempted to delay the South African Public Protector's report on wasteful expenditure at Nkandla - President Jacob Zuma’s private homestead.
Bheki Cele is under investigation, as evidence shows R1.7 billion rand spent on building leases were unlawful, improper and constituted maladministration. Though suspended, South African taxpayers spend at least R1.3-million a year on his salary.
In April 2009 he drew criticism for comments made at a rally in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, about the Inkatha Freedom Party, and its leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The remarks, insinuating IFP propagation of illicit weaponry, were made against a background of political tension and violence in the Natal province.
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