‘Calls for Cele to be questioned on Zuma security details reckless’: Police ministry

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Police ministry has rubbished calls and demands for minister Bheki Cele to be ‘questioned on the security details’ of former president, Jacob Zuma.

This follows an incident where a motor vehicle, collided with the former President’s official armoured state vehicle on Thursday.

Zuma was in the car, along with his official protection team, when it was hit on a road in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal at about 18:40.

No one was injured including members of the Presidential Protection Services (PPS). The former president was evacuated and taken to his residence.

Following a thorough briefing to the Ministry by the management of the South African Police Service(SAPS) the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele is satisfied that the current security deployed for the protection of Mr Zuma is sufficient and on a par with other former Heads of States, police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba remarked. 

Themba stated that the ministry finds the call made by the UMkhonto We Sizwe party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlela; for the minister of police to be ‘questioned on Jacob Zuma’s security details’ reckless and out of order.   

She added; “The Ministry and the SAPS will not be divulging any security details of any current or former head of state of the republic of South Africa.”

Zuma fleet ageing

Speaking on television channel Newzroom Afrika, Ndlela said if you look at the president’s fleet, he has had that fleet for the past ten years.

“It cannot be, why has Bheki Cele not upgraded his fleet. We are talking just cars – how is that possible,” he asked.

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Meanwhile, a 51-year-old alleged drunk driver has since been arrested for the incident and his blood samples have been taken for further testing as police investigations continue. 

The man is detained and is expected to appear before the Eshowe Magistrate Court on Tuesday.