Bheki Cele. Photo: Eyewitness
Today President Jacob Zuma announced at a press conference in Pretoria that suspended police commissioner Bheki Cele has been fired. Cele had been suspended since October 2011 after the public protector Thuli Madonsela found that he had illegitimately signed a lease agreement for two buildings that would house the SAPS headquarters.
Following Madonsela’s findings, Zuma appointed a board of enquiry to investigate if Cele was fit for his position. Their report indicated that Cele was not fit for office.
Speaking at a press conference, Zuma said: “The reports of the public protector and that of the board of enquiry indicate deficiencies administratively and in particular, in relation to General Cele’s duties as an accounting officer. The board has found General Cele to be unfit for office and has recommended his removal from office. Having thoroughly considered the reports of the board, and applied my mind thereto, I have decided to release General Cele from his duties”. Zuma also announced that Cele’s job has been given to Mangwashi Phiyega.
Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega. Photo: Who’s Who SA.
“It is my pleasure to announce the new National Police Commissioner today who takes office with immediate effect. She is Ms Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega, who is currently the chairperson of the Presidential Review Committee on State Owned Enterprises and the Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Commission on the Remuneration of Office Bearers”, Zuma said.
The complete speech of the president can be found from the presidency’s website.
