Cabinet’s view on embattled police chief Bheki Cele’s conduct should be taken into account, the inquiry into his fitness to hold office has heard.
Former deputy police chief and procurement head Hamilton Hlela made several assumptions which he acted on without consultation, the inquiry heard.
Suspended police commissioner Bheki Cele finds himself in a tough position at the inquiry. The <i>M&G</i> looks at the case thus far.
Suspended police chief Bheki Cele did not seek advice from his legal adviser on the contentious Sanlam Middestad building lease, the board heard.
Police commissioner and his expert-turned-adversary testified this week.
On day one of the inquiry, former deputy police commissioner Hamilton Hlela told the board Bheki Cele "identified the buildings" he wanted leased.
The board appointed by President Jacob Zuma to evaluate allegations against Bheki Cele commences its work on Monday.
Police say they have been excluded from action to end the controversial headquarters lease deal, despite having to pay R600-million if the case fails.
The lease for the ICD building was signed by Roux Shabangu, even though the building was owned by his former partner, Japie van Niekerk.
Property tycoon Roux Shabangu has joined other voices in a public effort to validate the deal.
The police’s Independent Complaints Directorate was sent packing by MPs on Tuesday after pleading ignorance on the inflated cost of its new offices.
Yvonne Mokgoro will no longer be heading the Cele inquiry commission, while Willem van der Merwe has stepped down from the arms deal probe.
In spite of the troubles of his two predecessors, the role of acting police chief does not appear to daunt Major General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Months after the <i>New Age</i> reported that police commissioner General Bheki Cele was to be shipped off to Japan, he remains in his post.
The Auditor General says the public works department is unable to account for R2.1-billion of goods and capital expenditure during 2010/11.
The public protector is satisfied with progress reports on the police lease scandal received from the presidency and the department of public works .
