SAPS Defends Police Minister Bheki Cele’s Use of Chopper at ANC Event Amidst Misuse Allegations

In a recent turn of events that has prompted public debate and political backlash, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has come to the defense of Police Minister Bheki Cele regarding the use of a police helicopter at an African National Congress (ANC) event. A video sparked public ire by showing Cele arriving at the party's election manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida stadium on board a SAPS chopper. This action incited accusations directed towards the minister, asserting misuse of state-operated machinery for personal advantage.

This event has not gone unnoticed by the opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has taken a firm stance on the matter. Andrew Whitfield, the DA's shadow minister of police, categorically labeled the act as a "gross abuse of state resources." The DA is adamant that Minister Cele be personally held financially accountable for the helicopter use. Further to this, the party has urged a call for a comprehensive internal SAPS investigation to scrutinize the authorization protocol that permitted Cele's use of the chopper.

The DA's critical stance did not end there, as it called for intense scrutiny of the SAPS officials who might have sanctioned what it considers an irregular deployment of police assets. Amidst an ongoing national security crisis, with a crime wave hammering at the country's door, the DA deemed the act illustrative of the sense of entitlement they claim pervades ANC politicians and their routine operations within government systems.

SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, however, provided an alternative narrative. According to Mathe, the deployment of the helicopter at the ANC's manifesto event was for operational purposes, tied to crowd monitoring responsibilities that fall under the SAPS mandate according to the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA). Mathe pointed out that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), which Cele co-chairs, is tasked with ensuring the security of major events in the country, which invariably includes providing air support.

During significant events, SAPS Air Wing, in tandem with the overall operational commander, are assigned to provide comprehensive support for ground operations. According to Mathe, such resources are deployed to preclude incidents that could threaten the safety of attendees, including stampedes or other perilous eventualities. By emphasizing the administrative and operational roles Cele undertakes during these gatherings, the SAPS intends to refute claims that his arrival at the ANC event in a police helicopter constituted personal use of state resources.

Notwithstanding SAPS's clarification, the criticism levelled by the DA and echoed by parts of the South African public suggests a persistent demand for transparency and propriety in the use of state assets. Calls for investigation by bodies such as the Office of the Public Protector point to an ongoing concern with upholding prudence and accountability in government operations, a reflection of the citizens' vigilance in the democratic process.