Police explains Dlamini-Zuma's protection unit

It comes after speculation that Dlamini-Zuma was afforded the PPU services illegally.

Political party Cope accused Preisdent Jacob Zuma and newly appointed Police Minister Fikile Mbalula of acting unconstitutionally as Dlamini-Zuma "is neither a state president candidate nor an MP in a statutory political office that entitles her to this special privilege provided only for senior state officials."

But SAPS insists the ANC NEC member was afforded protection following the outcome of a security assesment which revealed threats directed at her.

"For security reasons, the SAPS will not discuss or deliberate on any details of the security afforded to Dr Dlamini-Zuma, or in relation to the mentioned threat and security assessment," says the police's Sally de Beer.

Dlamini-Zuma was also afforded PPU protection during her term as chairperson of the AU - a courtesy given by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.