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Bheki Cele Takes Apology Dispute to Parliament Speaker

Published

5 months ago

December 7, 2023

Police Minister Bheki Cele engaged the Speaker of Parliament over his apology to Ian Cameron, a representative of Action Society. In October, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests ruled that Cele breached the Code of Conduct for his outburst against Cameron during a police imbizo in July of the previous year, according to IOL. The committee mandated Cele to issue an apology to Cameron. The incident occurred at a meeting between police and residents from Nyanga and Gugulethu communities, where Cele, in response to Cameron’s comments on residents’ concerns, shouted at him to “shut up.” Cameron subsequently laid charges against Cele. Cele has now written to the Speaker of Parliament, seeking clarification on the ruling and expressing his ongoing engagement.

Police Minister Bheki Cele refuses to apologise to anti-crime activist Ian Cameron. He shouted at him to ‘Shut Up’ at an Imbizo in Gugulethu last year. pic.twitter.com/m1nx4Ixws8
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) October 4, 2023

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Cele informed House Chairperson Grace Boroto that he had received acknowledgement of his letter but awaited a response. He stressed his desire to address the issue further. Meanwhile, Cameron asserted that while ordering an apology is crucial, Cele owes an apology to the entire country. Cameron continues to advocate for Cele’s resignation from office, maintaining that accountability extends beyond a mere apology. The unresolved dispute highlights the tensions between the police minister and Cameron, reflecting broader concerns about decorum and accountability in public discourse.

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