17 Facts About Bheki Cele

Bhekokwakhe "Bheki" Hamilton Cele was born on 22 April 1952 and was the South African Minister of Police from February 2018 to 17 June 2024.

Bheki Cele 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.

Bheki Cele has served as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, on the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, and in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.

Bheki Cele is a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress, and was imprisoned on Robben Island during apartheid.

Bheki Cele holds a teacher's diploma, and in 1980 became a founding member of the progressive, non-racial National Education Union of South Africa.

Bheki Cele was fired in June 2012, following allegations that he had been involved in unlawful property deals.

Bheki Cele was reappointed as police minister following the 2019 general election.

Bheki Cele lost his seat in the National Assembly at the 2024 general election.

Bheki Cele remains a member of the African National Congress, and currently serves in its chief executive organ, the National Executive Committee.

In January 2009, in the run-up to the elections, Bheki Cele was present at a stand-off between ANC supporters and Inkatha Freedom Party supporters at an ANC rally in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.

The IFP accused Bheki Cele of provoking police to "brutalize" IFP supporters.

In October 2011, the then President Jacob Zuma suspended Bheki Cele with pay, pending the outcome of an inquiry, chaired by former judge Jake Moloi, into his possible misconduct.

The board of inquiry found that Bheki Cele had been dishonest and was unfit for office, and recommended his dismissal.

In 2018 the Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, claimed that Bheki Cele and SAPS had failed to provide personal protection to two whistleblowers who had reported corruption in the Umzimkulu municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

However, Bheki Cele took the report under judicial review, and in 2020 the Gauteng North High Court declared it invalid, clearing Bheki Cele of all wrongdoing.

Bheki Cele has defended the Bill on the grounds that most murders in South Africa are committed with firearms.

Bheki Cele responded with remarks about his experiences during apartheid and shouted "shut up" at Cameron before officials removed Cameron from the premises.