The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi says he will lay a criminal charge against Police Minister, Bheki Cele, on Monday. In a statement, the EFF say charges of political interference and defeating the ends of justice will be opened at the Sunnyside Police Station in Pretoria.
They stem from a high court ruling affirming the suspension of Crime Intelligence boss, Lieutenant General Peter Jacobs and five others.
They are accused of using the Secret Service Account to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Commissar @MbuyiseniNdlozi To Open A Case Against Minister Of Police Bheki Cele pic.twitter.com/yU9G77DAXm
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 10, 2021
The EFF accuses Minister Cele of trying to shield his former Robben Island cell mate from prosecution. They also suggest that this may mean that the Minister himself is involved in PPE tender corruption.
Jacobs has denied the allegations and claims they are being targeted for fighting corruption.
Earlier, EFF said in a statement that the party welcomes Jacobs’s suspension. The party also accused Cele of trying to halt the suspension.
“We further condemn the Minister of Police Bheki Cele who is cited as having a letter to the Police Commissioner instructing him to halt the suspension of Lt-Gen Jacobs. Cele argued that suspension should not happen until the Inspector General’s report, which made these allegations, is given or submitted to him. This is a clear case of political interference and a direct attempt to frustrate the ends of justice.”
The party said that it should not be an issue for a Minister who cares about combating justice whether allegations come from the Inspector General’s office or not.
EFF Welcomes North Gauteng High Court Ruling Affirming The Suspension Of Crime Intelligence Boss Following Investigations On PPE Scandal pic.twitter.com/Oa1fdOPLvO
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 10, 2021
Minister Cele is yet to respond to the EFF’s claims.
