{{short description|South African minister of police}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = The Honourable | name = Bheki Cele | native_name = | native_name_lang = | honorific_suffix = | image = Bheki Cele at press conference on crime at World Cup 2010-06-29 2.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Cele at a press conference in June 2010 | office = | status = | term_start = | term_end = | predecessor = | successor = | office1 = Minister of Police | term_start1 = 26 February 2018 | term_end1 = 17 June 2024 | president1 = Cyril Ramaphosa | predecessor1 = Fikile Mbalula | successor1 = Senzo Mchunu | office2 = Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | president2 = Jacob Zuma<br>Cyril Ramaphosa | minister2 = Senzeni Zokwana | term_start2 = 26 May 2014 | term_end2 = 24 February 2018 | predecessor2 = Pieter Mulder | successor2 = | order3 = National Commissioner of the South African Police Service | term_start3 = July 2009 | term_end3 = October 2011 | president3 = Jacob Zuma | minister3 = Nathi Mthethwa | predecessor3 = Jackie Selebi | successor3 = Riah Phiyega | office4 = Deputy Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal | term_start4 = 1996 | term_end4 = 1998 | 1blankname4 = Provincial Chairperson | 1namedata4 = Jacob Zuma | 2blankname4 = Provincial Secretary | 2namedata4 = Sipho Gcabashe | predecessor4 = Sifiso Nkabinde | successor4 = Senzo Mchunu | birth_name = Bhekokwakhe Hamilton Cele | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1952|04|22}} | birth_place = Umzumbe, Natal, Union of South Africa | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | spouse = {{plainlist| * {{marriage|Thando Ngcobo|end=Divorce}} * {{marriage|Thembeka Ngcobo|2010}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naidoo |first=Alicia |date=2022-01-03 |title=Bheki Cele: A young wife, baby mama, and 'forgotten' love child |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/breaking-bheki-cele-wife-thembeka-ngcobo-baby-mama-children-love-child-daughter-khumbuza-more-latest-news/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=The South African |language=en-ZA}}</ref> }} | children = | occupation = {{flatlist| * Politician * legislator * police officer * <br>military veteran * <br>anti-apartheid activist}} | profession = Teacher | party = African National Congress | module = {{Infobox police officer | embed = yes | nocat_wdimage = yes | department = South African Police Service<br>Department of Police (South Africa) | service_years = 2009{{snd}}2011 | rank = General<br>Commissioner }} | data5 = <!--Military service--> | nickname Pedro's = | allegiance = Union of South Africa | branch = Umkhonto We Sizwe | service_years = 1984{{snd}}1994 | rank = | unit = Underground unit | commands = South African National Defence Force | battles = | awards = }}
'''Bhekokwakhe "Bheki" Hamilton Cele''' (born 22 April 1952)<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bheki Cele, Gen |author=South African Government |url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/bheki-cele-gen |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=www.gov.za}}</ref> is the former South African Minister of Police from February 2018 to 17 June 2024.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Plessis|first=Carien du|date=2018-02-27|title=Cabinet Reshuffle: SA government gets a full makeover|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-02-27-cabinet-reshuffle-sa-government-gets-a-full-makeover/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> He was National Commissioner of the South African Police Service for two years, until misconduct allegations led to his suspension in October 2011 and removal in June 2012.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|date=2012-06-12|title=South Africa police chief Bheki Cele fired by Jacob Zuma|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-18414786|access-date=2021-11-10}}</ref> He has also served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, on the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, and in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature. He is a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress, and was imprisoned on Robben Island during apartheid.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|date=2018-04-23|title=The National Executive Committee|url=http://www.anc.org.za/officials/national-executive-committee-0|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423034635/http://anc.org.za/officials/national-executive-committee-0|archive-date=2018-04-23|access-date=2021-11-10|website=African National Congress}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=2009-09-27|title=South Africa struggles with rising crime|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-27-fg-crime-police27-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228221320/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-27-fg-crime-police27-story.html|archive-date=28 February 2021|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Los Angeles Times|location=Johannesburg|language=en}}</ref>
== Life and career ==
Cele was born on 22 April 1952 in Umzumbe, Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal).<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2004|title=Bheki Cele|url=http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/reading_room/prev_features/2004/b_cele.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810205318/http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/reading_room/prev_features/2004/b_cele.htm|archive-date=10 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mbanjwa|first=Bheki|date=2009-07-30|title=Ex-MEC known as man of action|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-argus/20090730/281612416407367|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Cape Argus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113083429/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-argus/20090730/281612416407367 |archive-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> He holds a teacher's diploma, and in 1980 became a founding member of the progressive, non-racial National Education Union of South Africa.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Bheki Cele, Gen.|url=https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/bheki-cele-gen?gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA6xy2MSlWBkeaogRAYWRgiXUi8I8GsNcKzKLdcBH9lNT8PMdFZoNZrBoCSxYQAvD_BwE|url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-17|website=South African Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321184925/https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/bheki-cele-gen?gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA6xy2MSlWBkeaogRAYWRgiXUi8I8GsNcKzKLdcBH9lNT8PMdFZoNZrBoCSxYQAvD_BwE |archive-date=21 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=National Education Union of South Africa information sheet|url=https://www.aluka.org/stable/10.5555/al.sff.document.rep00000000.043.027.024|language=English}}</ref> In exile in Angola in the mid-1980s, he joined Umkhonto we Sizwe, and he was imprisoned on Robben Island from 1987 until he was released, along with other political prisoners, in 1990.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" />
=== 1994-2009: KwaZulu-Natal government ===
In the 1994 elections, Cele was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature. During his time in the legislature, he served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security and later as the chairperson of chairpersons.<ref name=":0" /> From 2004, he was member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|date=2009-07-29|title=Why I chose Bheki Cele - Jacob Zuma|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/why-i-chose-bheki-cele--jacob-zuma|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Politicsweb|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175554/https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/why-i-chose-bheki-cele--jacob-zuma |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bheki Cele|url=http://www.pa.org.za/person/bhekokwakhe-hamilton-cele/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=People's Assembly|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" />
=== 2009-present: National government ===
In July 2009, he was appointed National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-23 |title=The Presidency {{!}} Announcement of new National Police Commissioner |url=http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=1149 |access-date=2022-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423041746/http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=1149 |archive-date=23 April 2016 }}</ref> He was fired in June 2012, following allegations that he had been involved in unlawful property deals.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Conway-Smith|first=Eric|date=2012-06-12|title=South Africa: Police chief Bheki Cele fired by President Jacob Zuma|url=https://theworld.org/stories/2012-06-12/south-africa-police-chief-bheki-cele-fired-president-jacob-zuma|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The World from PRX|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175554/https://theworld.org/stories/2012-06-12/south-africa-police-chief-bheki-cele-fired-president-jacob-zuma |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> Thereafter, he was Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from May 2014 until late February 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him Minister of Police in his first cabinet reshuffle.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Reaction to Cele's appointment was mixed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mbhele|first=Zakhele|date=2018-02-27|title=Bheki Cele's appointment is a sham|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/bheki-celes-appointment-is-a-sham--zakhele-mbhele|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Politicsweb|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175555/https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/bheki-celes-appointment-is-a-sham--zakhele-mbhele |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kock|first=Chris De|date=2018-02-27|title=Op-Ed: Bheki Cele – the proof of the pudding is in the eating|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-02-27-op-ed-bheki-cele-the-proof-of-the-pudding-is-in-the-eating/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> He was reappointed as police minister following the 2019 general election. Cele lost his seat in the National Assembly at the 2024 general election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merten |first=Marianne |date=2024-06-05 |title=The ANC haemorrhaging continues — Cele, Modise, Zulu and Pandor won't return as MPs |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-06-05-the-anc-haemorrhaging-continues-cele-modise-zulu-and-pandor-wont-return-as-mps/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref>
=== ANC membership ===
Cele remains a member of the African National Congress (ANC), and currently serves in its chief executive organ, the National Executive Committee.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018|title=NEC subcommittees|url=https://www.anc1912.org.za/nec-subcommittees/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=African National Congress|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109154226/https://www.anc1912.org.za/nec-subcommittees/ |archive-date=9 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> For a period in the mid-1990s, he was safety and security spokesman for the party's KwaZulu-Natal branch, and in the 2000s he served as party chairman in the eThekwini region.<ref>{{cite web|date=1996-11-20|title=TRC hearing in PMB adjourned for second time due to protestors|url=https://www.justice.gov.za/trc/media/1996/9611/s961120g.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=South African Press Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303160309/http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/media/1996/9611/s961120g.htm |archive-date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1996-09-04|title=Individuals, and not the ANC against me: Holomisa|url=https://www.justice.gov.za/trc/media/1996/9609/s960904f.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=South African Press Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303162922/http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/media/1996/9609/s960904f.htm |archive-date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Munusamy|first=Ranjeni|date=2012-06-11|title=Bheki Cele: Zuma's rock, hard and complicated place|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-06-12-bheki-cele-zumas-rock-hard-and-complicated-place/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> In the 2000s, Cele was characterised as an ally of Jacob Zuma.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=Once they were comrades, now Cele arrests Zuma, who fired him as police commissioner|url=https://mg.co.za/politics/2021-07-08-once-they-were-comrades-now-cele-may-arrest-zuma-who-fired-him-as-police-commissioner/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jasson da Costa|first=Wendy|date=2009-07-30|title=Cele shoots from the hip|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/cele-shoots-from-the-hip-453292|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=IOL|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175557/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/cele-shoots-from-the-hip-453292 |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|date=2011-07-14|title=South Africa police chief Bheki Cele in 'unlawful deal'|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14159778|access-date=2021-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Plessis|first=Carien du|date=2011-09-23|title=Zuma to Cele: Tell me why you shouldn't leave|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-09-23-zuma-to-cele-tell-me-why-you-shouldnt-leave/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> However, during the hotly contested ANC leadership elections of 2017, he aligned himself with Cyril Ramaphosa and against Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-10-20|title=Cele poised to intensify role in #CR17|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-10-20-00-cele-poised-to-intensify-role-in-cr17/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Head|first=Tom|date=2017-12-11|title="Dlamini-Zuma will keep ANC under Gupta control" - Minister Bheki Cele|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/dlamini-zuma-will-lead-anc-to-the-guptas-bheki-cele/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The South African|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021210204/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/dlamini-zuma-will-lead-anc-to-the-guptas-bheki-cele/ |archive-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>
== Controversies ==
=== "Shoot-to-kill" remarks and use of deadly force ===
In July 2007, ''The Sowetan'' reported that Cele, then MEC for safety in KwaZulu-Natal, had told a meeting in Durban that police should "shoot to kill" when confronting criminals, as well as making other remarks endorsing the use of deadly force.<ref name=":8">{{cite web|last=Nhlabathi|first=Hlengiwe|date=2014-12-20|title='Shoot to kill' rant to haunt Bheki Cele - ex police boss loses court case against Sowetan|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014-12-20-shoot-to-kill-rant-to-haunt-bheki-cele-ex-police-boss-loses-court-case-against-sowetan2/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sowetan|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175556/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014-12-20-shoot-to-kill-rant-to-haunt-bheki-cele-ex-police-boss-loses-court-case-against-sowetan2/ |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite web|date=2013-02-14|title=Cele v Avusa Media Ltd (08/10831)|url=http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZAGPJHC/2013/15.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=SAFLII|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175606/http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZAGPJHC/2013/15.html |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> Although Cele denied that he used the words "shoot to kill," he admitted to having made other similar remarks, including, "We cannot allow police to be killed by criminals. Once criminals pull their guns, police must aim for the head."<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> In 2010, Cele sued the ''Sowetan'' for defamation, and R200 000 in damages, on the basis of two of its 2007 reports on the saga, including one published alongside a digitally altered photograph of Cele holding a gun. The case was dismissed.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> A reporter from the ''Sowetan'' testified that he was personally present at the meeting in Durban and had heard Cele utter the remarks; and the court pointed out that the only other newspaper to send a reporter to the meeting, the ''Citizen'', had also reported that Cele had called for police to shoot to kill.<ref name=":9" />
In August 2009, shortly after taking office as National Commissioner of SAPS, Cele caused a national controversy when he allegedly repeated the "shoot to kill" remarks to the ''Weekend Argus''. Speaking about a proposed amendment to Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which outlines grounds for the justifiable use of deadly force, Cele reportedly said that police should be able to "shoot to kill" criminals without worrying about "what happens after that."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goldstone|first=Carvin|date=2009-08-01|title=Police must shoot to kill, worry later - Cele|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/police-must-shoot-to-kill-worry-later-cele-453587|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=IOL|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307172304/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/police-must-shoot-to-kill-worry-later-cele-453587 |archive-date=7 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=David|date=2009-09-16|title=South Africa considers 'shoot to kill' policing ahead of World Cup|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/16/south-africa-police-world-cup|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907133222/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/16/south-africa-police-world-cup |archive-date=7 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2009-08-05|title=Cele calls for greater powers for cops|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2009-08-05-cele-calls-for-greater-powers-cops/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Speaking to the ''Los Angeles Times'', Cele denied that he had said the police should shoot to kill – instead, his point had been that it was dangerous for police officers to be unsure about whether they were permitted to use deadly force in a confrontation with an armed criminal.<ref name=":4" /> Elsewhere he clarified that police should not shoot innocent people, but should "decisively defend themselves" against armed and dangerous criminals.<ref>{{cite web|date=2013-02-28|title=Cele takes a jab at media on "shoot-to-kill" statement|url=https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/cele-takes-jab-media-shoot-kill-statement|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=South African Government News Agency|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302205609/http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/cele-takes-jab-media-shoot-kill-statement |archive-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> Asked about his remarks in 2018, after his appointment as Minister of Police, he again denied that he had used the phrase "shoot to kill," but said, "I’ve said that... when [police] deal with the tough brutal criminals, they must not die with their guns in their hands and I still say so."<ref>{{cite web|last=Thapelo|first=Lekabe|date=2018-03-01|title=Bheki Cele denies ever calling for police to 'shoot to kill'|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1841001/bheki-cele-denies-ever-calling-for-police-to-shoot-to-kill/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Citizen|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301130458/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1841001/bheki-cele-denies-ever-calling-for-police-to-shoot-to-kill/ |archive-date=1 March 2018}}</ref> Since then, he has on several occasions reminded SAPS officers that they should use deadly force when necessary.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nkosi|first=Nomazina|date=2019-12-24|title=Use deadly force – Bheki Cele|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-12-24-use-deadly-force-cele/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sunday Times|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224105623/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-12-24-use-deadly-force-cele/ |archive-date=24 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-22|title=Police allowed to use deadly force when under attack: Cele|url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/police-allowed-to-use-deadly-force-when-under-attack-cele/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=SABC News|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222140515/http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/police-allowed-to-use-deadly-force-when-under-attack-cele/ |archive-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nair|first=Nivashni|date=2019-11-06|title='Criminals don't carry feather dusters' - Cele tells cops not to die with a gun in their hands|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-11-06-criminals-dont-carry-feather-dusters-cele-tells-cops-not-to-die-with-a-gun-in-their-hands/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sunday Times|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106172652/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-11-06-criminals-dont-carry-feather-dusters-cele-tells-cops-not-to-die-with-a-gun-in-their-hands/ |archive-date=6 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=Cele tells police officers to use 'deadly force' to protect South Africans, themselves|url=https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/cele-tells-police-officers-use-deadly-force-protect-south-africans-themselves/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=East Coast Radio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218073603/https://www.ecr.co.za/news/news/cele-tells-police-officers-use-deadly-force-protect-south-africans-themselves/ |archive-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>
=== Conflict with Inkatha Freedom Party ===
In January 2009, in the run-up to the elections, Cele was present at a stand-off between ANC supporters and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters at an ANC rally in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal. The IFP accused Cele of provoking police to "brutalize" IFP supporters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buthelezi|first=Mangosuthu|date=2009-02-09|title=Bheki Cele to blame for Nongoma violence|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/bheki-cele-to-blame-for-nongoma-violence--buthelez|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Politicsweb|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175556/https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/bheki-cele-to-blame-for-nongoma-violence--buthelez |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2009-02-02|title=IFP blames Nongoma violence on Safety MEC|url=https://ewn.co.za/2009/02/02/IFP-blames-Nongoma-violence-on-Safety-MEC|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=EWN|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175554/https://ewn.co.za/2009/02/02/IFP-blames-Nongoma-violence-on-Safety-MEC |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> Cele claimed that these claims were defamatory and, in February, filed a court application to interdict their publication.<ref>{{cite web|date=2009-08-21|title=Cele waits on outcome of court bid|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2009-08-21-cele-waits-on-outcome-of-court-bid/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref> The application was dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kuppan|first=Irene|date=2009-09-09|title=Cele demands an apology|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/cele-demands-an-apology-457973|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Independent Online|location=South Africa|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175554/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/cele-demands-an-apology-457973 |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref>
=== Roux Property Fund property deals ===
In early 2011, when Cele was National Commissioner of SAPS, the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, found that the government had leased office buildings in Pretoria and Durban – intended to serve as police headquarters – at vastly inflated rates. The leases were worth more than R1.5 billion and were signed with Roux Property Fund. Madonsela said that the deals were "unlawful" and "illegitimate," and she held Cele – along with the Minister of Public Works, Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde – responsible.<ref name="auto"/> She deemed his conduct "improper, unlawful and amounting to maladministration."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-06-24|title=Cele 'fingerprints' all over KZN lease|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-24-cele-fingerprints-all-over-kzn-lease/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Although he had not signed the lease for the Pretoria building personally, he had signed a memorandum authorising funding for the lease.<ref>{{cite web|date=2011-02-23|title=Cele found guilty|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/cele-found-guilty-1030995|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=IOL|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502023335/https://www.iol.co.za/news/cele-found-guilty-1030995 |archive-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Cele denied any wrongdoing.<ref name=":2" />
In October 2011, the then President Jacob Zuma suspended Cele with pay, pending the outcome of an inquiry, chaired by former judge Jake Moloi,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|last=Sidimba|first=Loyiso|date=2019-04-10|title=Court clears Bheki Cele|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-star-south-africa-early-edition/20190410/281547997270724|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|work=The Star|location=South Africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175556/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-star-south-africa-early-edition/20190410/281547997270724 |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2014-05-29|title=Cele still challenging his axing|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014-05-29-cele-still-challenging-his-axing/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sowetan|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213143255/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014-05-29-cele-still-challenging-his-axing/ |archive-date=13 February 2019}}</ref> into his possible misconduct.<ref>{{cite web|date=2011-10-24|title=Bheki Cele suspended over lease saga|url=https://www.news24.com/News24/Bheki-Cele-suspended-over-lease-saga-20111024|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=News24|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218192540/https://www.news24.com/News24/Bheki-Cele-suspended-over-lease-saga-20111024 |archive-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> One of the questions pursued by the board of inquiry was the extent of Cele's relationship with Roux Shabangu of the Roux Property Fund<ref>{{cite web|date=2012-03-06|title=Inquiry hears of Cele-Shabangu meeting|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2012-03-06-inquiry-hears-of-cele-shabangu-meeting/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sunday Times|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175556/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2012-03-06-inquiry-hears-of-cele-shabangu-meeting/ |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> – that is, whether Cele's conduct had been not only unlawful but also corrupt, as some have suggested.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoffman|first=Paul|date=2019-05-02|title=Cyril's shocking side-step of Cele's impunity - Paul Hoffman|url=https://www.biznews.com/thought-leaders/2019/05/02/cyril-ramaphosa-bheki-cele-hoffman|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=BizNews|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502172557/https://www.biznews.com/thought-leaders/2019/05/02/cyril-ramaphosa-bheki-cele-hoffman |archive-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> The board of inquiry found that Cele had been dishonest and was unfit for office, and recommended his dismissal.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hawker|first1=Dianne|last2=Khanyile|first2=Gcwalisile|date=2012-05-27|title=Top cops lied for commissioner, Roux Shabangu manipulated him|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-sunday-independent/20120527/282239482674574|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Sunday Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175553/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-sunday-independent/20120527/282239482674574 |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2012|title=Criminal probe of Cele actions recommended|url=https://legalbrief.co.za/diary/legalbrief-today/story/criminal-probe-of-cele-actions-recommended/print/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=LegalBrief|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175556/https://legalbrief.co.za/diary/legalbrief-today/story/criminal-probe-of-cele-actions-recommended/print/ |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=De Lange|first1=Deon|last2=Mpofu|first2=Michael|date=2012-05-25|title=Cele rubbishes inquiry|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/daily-news-south-africa/20120525/281479273461595|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110175554/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/daily-news-south-africa/20120525/281479273461595 |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> On 12 June 2012, Zuma announced that he had fired Cele on the basis of these findings.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|date=2012-06-12|title=South Africa police chief Bheki Cele fired by Jacob Zuma|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-18414786|access-date=2021-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2012-06-12|title=Bheki Cele fired|url=https://www.news24.com/News24/Bheki-Cele-fired-20120612|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=News24|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021214733/https://www.news24.com/News24/Bheki-Cele-fired-20120612 |archive-date=21 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-09-30|title=Zuma fired Cele for being 'dishonest'|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2012-09-30-zuma-fired-cele-for-being-dishonest/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Nearly seven years later, however, in April 2019, the Pretoria High Court set aside the inquiry's report, following a protracted legal struggle by Cele to clear his name.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-09|title=Zuma's decision to fire Bheki Cele in 2012 set aside|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/courts/2114779/zumas-decision-to-fire-bheki-cele-in-2012-set-aside/|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Citizen|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bateman|first=Barry|date=2019-04-09|title=High Court sets aside 2012 decision to fire Bheki Cele as police commissioner|url=https://ewn.co.za/2019/04/09/high-court-sets-aside-2012-decision-to-fire-bheki-cele-as-police-commissioner|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=EWN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409193341/https://ewn.co.za/2019/04/09/high-court-sets-aside-2012-decision-to-fire-bheki-cele-as-police-commissioner |archive-date=9 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mabuza|first=Ernest|date=2019-04-09|title=Court sets aside Jacob Zuma's 2012 decision to axe Bheki Cele as top cop|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-04-09-court-sets-aside-jacob-zumas-2012-decision-to-axe-bheki-cele-as-top-cop/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sunday Times|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409180510/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-04-09-court-sets-aside-jacob-zumas-2012-decision-to-axe-bheki-cele-as-top-cop/ |archive-date=9 April 2019}}</ref>
=== Whistleblower protection ===
In 2018 the Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, claimed that Cele and SAPS had failed to provide personal protection to two whistleblowers who had reported corruption in the Umzimkulu municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maphanga|first=Canny|date=2018-08-16|title=Cele to challenge Public Protector's findings that SAPS failed to protect whistleblowers {{!}} News24|language=en-US|work=News24|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/cele-to-challenge-public-protectors-findings-that-saps-failed-to-protect-whistleblowers-20180816|access-date=2021-11-10}}</ref> However, Cele took the report under judicial review, and in 2020 the Gauteng North High Court declared it invalid, clearing Cele of all wrongdoing. The court said that, as set out in legislation, it is not the responsibility of the police to ensure that witnesses and whistleblowers receive personal protection.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mahlangu|first=Thato|date=2020-06-11|title=Cele cleared of wrongdoing by court, PP's report set aside|url=https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/cele-cleared-of-wrongdoing-by-court-pps-report-set-aside/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Corruption Watch|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905091808/https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/cele-cleared-of-wrongdoing-by-court-pps-report-set-aside/ |archive-date=5 September 2020}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 pandemic ===
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Cele's leadership of the police was criticised, with Cele accused of "excessive policing" of compliance with lockdown regulations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thebus|first=Shakirah|date=2021-01-08|title=Crime-riddled communities criticise excessive policing of Cape Town beaches|url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/crime-riddled-communities-criticise-excessive-policing-of-cape-town-beaches-897e6d5b-552e-4e23-9145-ddc86c0a7e00|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=IOL|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108093049/https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/crime-riddled-communities-criticise-excessive-policing-of-cape-town-beaches-897e6d5b-552e-4e23-9145-ddc86c0a7e00 |archive-date=8 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-06-17|title=Police union slams Cele as it asks Ramaphosa to intervene in 'feud' with national commissioner|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-06-17-police-union-slams-cele-as-it-asks-ramaphosa-to-intervene-in-feud-with-national-commissioner/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Sowetan|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617184414/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-06-17-police-union-slams-cele-as-it-asks-ramaphosa-to-intervene-in-feud-with-national-commissioner/ |archive-date=17 June 2021}}</ref>
=== Gun control ===
Cele supports strict gun control, and has said that he does not think that private citizens should be permitted to own firearms.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Selisho|first=Kaunda|date=2019-04-18|title=Bheki Cele expresses wish to disarm all private citizens in SA|url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/2120550/bheki-cele-expresses-wish-to-disarm-all-private-citizens-in-sa/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-02|website=The Citizen|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418145852/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/2120550/bheki-cele-expresses-wish-to-disarm-all-private-citizens-in-sa/ |archive-date=2019-04-18}} </ref> A piece of gun control legislation introduced under his police ministry in 2021, the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, has encountered opposition from some civil society groups.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Meyer|first=Dan|date=2021-06-07|title=Firearms: SAPS accused of 'giving guns to gangs while disarming citizens'|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/firearms-control-amendment-bill-saps-gun-laws-vearey-latest-bheki-cele/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The South African|language=en-ZA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607170718/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/firearms-control-amendment-bill-saps-gun-laws-vearey-latest-bheki-cele/ |archive-date=7 June 2021}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Merrington|first=Zalene|date=2021-05-24|title=Outcry against firearms control amendment bill aimed to scrap gun ownership for self defence|url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/outcry-against-firearms-control-amendment-bill-aimed-to-scrap-gun-ownership-for-self-defence/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=SABC News|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524164920/https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/outcry-against-firearms-control-amendment-bill-aimed-to-scrap-gun-ownership-for-self-defence/ |archive-date=24 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Coetzer|first=Marizka|date=2021-08-04|title='Police incapable of protecting public,' say critics of new gun laws|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/2585794/cops-cant-protect-us-new-gun-laws-critics/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=The Citizen|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804044954/https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/2585794/cops-cant-protect-us-new-gun-laws-critics/ |archive-date=4 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Panchia|first=Yeshiel|date=2021-06-18|title=Fire And Fury: The Debate Around Gun Ownership in South Africa|url=https://www.forbesafrica.com/politics/2021/06/18/fire-and-fury-the-debate-around-gun-ownership-in-south-africa/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Forbes Africa|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618143911/https://www.forbesafrica.com/politics/2021/06/18/fire-and-fury-the-debate-around-gun-ownership-in-south-africa/ |archive-date=18 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mlamla|first=Sisonke|date=2021-08-05|title=Gun owners await outcome of Firearms Bill as public participation ends|url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/gun-owners-await-outcome-of-firearms-bill-as-public-participation-ends-cd0cfc73-a206-4fad-a5e4-f635e0660d78|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=IOL|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805134623/https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/gun-owners-await-outcome-of-firearms-bill-as-public-participation-ends-cd0cfc73-a206-4fad-a5e4-f635e0660d78 |archive-date=5 August 2021}}</ref> Under the proposed law, self-defence would not be considered a valid reason for seeking a firearm license.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Shoba|first=Sandisiwe|date=2021-06-12|title=Firearms Control Amendment Bill: The dark side of the war of words over proposed gun regulations|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-12-firearms-control-amendment-bill-the-dark-side-of-the-war-of-words-over-proposed-gun-regulations/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-10|website=Daily Maverick|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613151232/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-12-firearms-control-amendment-bill-the-dark-side-of-the-war-of-words-over-proposed-gun-regulations/ |archive-date=13 June 2021}}</ref> Cele has defended the Bill on the grounds that most murders in South Africa are committed with firearms.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" />
=== Incident with Ian Cameron === In an event in Gugulethu, Police Minister Bheki Cele had a confrontation with Ian Cameron, director of community safety for Action Society, a non-profit organisation focusing on violent crime. The incident occurred during a community policing engagement where Cameron made comments regarding the community having to do the work of the police, which appeared to agitate Cele. Cele responded with remarks about his experiences during apartheid and shouted "shut up" at Cameron before officials removed Cameron from the premises.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-07-07-ian-cameron-who-exactly-is-bheki-celes-new-nemesis/ |title=Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis? |last=Patrick |first=Alex |publisher=Times Live |accessdate=30 September 2023}}</ref> Cameron later expressed that his issue was not with Cele personally but with the position he occupied and his handling of crime-related matters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/careers/meet-ian-cameron-the-man-who-wants-to-take-down-bheki-cele-e3500aef-a228-44e8-9516-9eb53a39c294 |title=Meet Ian Cameron, the man who wants to take down Bheki Cele |author=Mtumbu, Xolile |publisher=IOL |date=13 July 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}</ref> This incident highlighted tensions and differing perspectives on community safety, police efficacy, and responsibility in addressing crime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/stemme/profiele/hanlie-retief-gesels-met-ian-cameron-20200726 |title=Hanlie Retief gesels met Ian Cameron |author=Retief, Hanlie |publisher=Netwerk24 |date=26 July 2020 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}</ref>
== Police corruption scandal == In July 2025, Cele was implicated in the police corruption scandal involving Vusumuzi Matlala who is currently in prison. Reports allege that while we has the minister of police, Cele stayed in a luxury penthouse suite owned by Matlala just days before Matlala’s company was awarded a R360 million SAPS health services tender.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahlangu |first=Sifiso |date=2025-07-08 |title=Bheki Cele stayed in luxury suite owned by dodgy tender mogul 'Cat' Matlala |url=https://iol.co.za/the-star/news/2025-07-08-bheki-cele-stayed-in-luxury-suite-owned-by-dodgy-tender-mogul-cat-matlala/ |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=IOL |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maromo |first=Jonisayi |date=2025-07-09 |title=Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala found with mobile phone at Kgosi Mampuru prison |url=https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2025-07-09-vusimuzi-cat-matlala-found-with-mobile-phone-at-kgosi-mampuru-prison/ |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=IOL |language=en}}</ref>
Bheki Cele's name was added to the seven top names that are going to testify to parliament ad hoc against Mkhwanazi's allegations. Cele began making providing testimony before parliament’s ad hoc committee on 23 October 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ntanzi |first=Hope |date=2025-09-08 |title=Cele added as witness in parliamentary probe into Mkhwanazi allegations of SAPS corruption |url=https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-09-08-cele-added-as-witness-in-parliamentary-probe-into-mkhwanazi-allegations-of-saps-corruption/ |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=IOL |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-23 |title=WATCH LIVE {{!}} Bheki Cele at parliament committee probing Mkhwanazi's allegations |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-10-23-watch-live-bheki-cele-at-parliament-committee-probing-mkhwanazis-allegations/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en}}</ref> Matlala claimed that he gave Cele R500 000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-26 |title=I gave Bheki Cele R500,000 and he kept asking for more: 'Cat' Matlala |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/2025-11-26-i-gave-bheki-cele-r500000-and-he-kept-asking-for-more-cat-matlala/ |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
{{S-start}} {{Succession box | before = Jackie Selebi | title = National Commissioner of the South African Police Service | service_years = 2009{{snd}}2011 | after = Riah Phiyega }} {{S-end}}
{{Commons category|Bheki Cele}} {{Use South African English|date=October 2022}} {{Ramaphosa first cabinet|state=collapsed}} {{Ramaphosa second cabinet}} {{Current MPs of South Africa}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cele, Bheki}} Category:1952 births Category:Living people Category:Zulu people Category:People from Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Category:African National Congress politicians Category:Police ministers of South Africa Category:South African police officers Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2019–2024 Category:Members of the National Assembly of South Africa 2014–2019