Cele rubbishes reports CI blew millions on parked cars

The City Press reported that millions were spent on high-end cars, including Audi A3s, Golf 8 GTIs, and VW Amaroks, that had all been parked at the unit’s Silverton headquarters.

But the police minister said the cars were part of the police’s efforts to boost the introduction of technology in the fight against crime. This included working on Parliament’s approval to allow the use of tech intercepting devices in kidnapping and cash-in-transit cases.

“Among those cars, there are 20 cars with very high-tech, which were part of the request from Parliament. We are beginning to unleash some of these high-tech cars out there.”

Cele implied the sources who spoke to the publication were disgruntled for not being allocated the cars for their own use.

“Those cars go where they are supposed to go. Maybe those that were used to drive those cars for whatever luxury and pleasure are feeling the pinch, hence they run to your [media] colleagues and write stories that don’t exist.”

At the same time, Cele said the police have made inroads in dismantling criminal syndicates involved in serious and violent crimes.

Cele told the media briefing in Tshwane on Tuesday that intelligence-led operations and weekly high-density operations resulted in the arrest of thousands of criminals and the seizure of assets worth millions of rand.

He highlighted some of the recent successes, including the arrest of seven suspects for the kidnapping of a Wits student in Johannesburg last week.

“Police have broken the back of this particular kidnapping syndicate that has so far been linked to over 50 kidnappings, where ransom demands were being made,” Cele said.

Another seven suspects were arrested in the North West in a tender-related scam.

“The suspects, who were dressed in police uniform, were found holding the victims hostage and demanding an amount of R300,000. The suspects are facing kidnapping charges, including that of impersonating police officials and possession of fraudulent documents.

“Recoveries included: Two unlicensed firearms (pistols) with 15 live rounds, SAPS uniform with two appointment certificates, and two vehicles.”

Cele said kidnapping for ransom remained a concern, adding it was also taking place in parts of the Eastern Cape. 

READ: ‘Either you’re with people or the criminals’ – Cele blasts ‘anti-police agenda’

The minister also asked for patience in the investigation of the AKA murder case. Earlier this month the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner said they traced the gun that killed the rapper and his friend Tebello Motsoane, who were shot outside a Durban restaurant in February.  

“The cars have been found, people have been identified, even the firearm that was used has been found. They are not very far from dealing the final blow to this case…

“It may be taking some time for the family, for friends, and the nation because he was a well-known figure, but we must request the police be given space.”

Cele also urged the police themselves to not give in to public pressure at the risk of jeopardising their case.

ALSO READ: