By Johnathan Paoli
Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged misconduct and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) resumed on Friday with a heated morning of questioning aimed at former Police Minister Bheki Cele.
The day’s questioning was led by committee members from across the spectrum, focusing on political interference, leadership failures, and the escalating rate of organised crime in the country.
EFF’s Leigh-Ann Mathys opened proceedings by confronting Cele about his past remarks praising former police commissioner Jackie Selebi for stabilising the service but accusing former commissioner Riah Phiyega of “deliberately” dismantling SAPS structures.
Cele reaffirmed this position, claiming that Phiyega’s appointment under then-President Jacob Zuma formed part of a broader weakening of law enforcement institutions, including the National Prosecuting and State Security agencies.
“If you ask me if it was an accident, I would say no. If someone wants to steal but you have a bulldog,
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