Minister of Police Bheki Cele has refuted claims made by political parties regarding his alleged arrival in a helicopter at the Moses Mabhida stadium during the African National Congress’s (ANC) election manifesto launch in Durban.
Cele clarified that he did not arrive in a helicopter, but rather, he was part of a crime prevention team that responded to information of trouble in KwaMashu and Inanda.
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According to Cele, he arrived at the stadium at 6:15am in his official cars. However, upon receiving information about the unrest in the two townships, he and other members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) had to swiftly respond.
To ensure a prompt arrival at the troubled areas, Cele utilised a helicopter as part of their crime prevention efforts.
The minister faced criticism from political parties and the public when he was spotted seemingly landing in a helicopter and boarding it.
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Cele defended the decision to use the helicopter, emphasising that he had arrived in town early that day and only resorted to the helicopter when they became aware of the trouble in KwaMashu and Inanda.
During a parliamentary session, Cele addressed claims made by members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and dismissed their accusations. He stressed that crime prevention was a fundamental aspect of the police’s duties and that using a helicopter was necessary to swiftly reach and address the areas of concern.
