Johnathan Paoli
THE Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests on Monday has found that Police Minister Bheki Cele, breached the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent National Council of Provinces Members and will recommend to the National Assembly that the enter an apology in the House for his conduct toward Cameron.
This follows a SAPS imbizo on 5 July last year in which Cele is alleged to have become irate and shouted at ActionSA member Ian Cameron to “shut up”.
Cele allegedly yelled at him to “shut up”, then told him to ”sit down and listen” or “get out”, with the complainant being removed from the venue by police officials and his clothing damaged in the process.
Cameron has said that his fundamental rights were infringed, namely his right to freedom and security of person, as well as the unlawful deprivation of liberty.
He further stated that he did nothing to warrant such an assault and was forcibly removed and restrained.
This follows video footage taken on the day, which was played in the committee, showing the Minister was irritated and shouting at Cameron.
The committee found that even if Cele was unhappy with the manner in which Cameron addressed the issue at the imbizo, as a Member of Parliament, he was required to act in a manner that would maintain public confidence and trust in the integrity of parliament and thereby engender the respect and confidence that society needs to have in parliament as a representative institution.
Cele is expected to provide an official apology to Cameron in relation to the breach of parliamentary ethics.
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