The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the Police Minister, Bheki Cele, to take full accountability for lying to Parliament. This comes after the Minister was found to have misled the National Assembly about the number of police officers who have died due to COVID-19.
In a statement released by the DA, the party expressed their disappointment and concern over the Minister’s actions. They stated that it is unacceptable for a public servant, especially a Minister, to provide false information to Parliament, which is the highest decision-making body in the country.
According to the DA, the Minister had previously claimed that only 5 police officers had died from COVID-19, when in fact the number was much higher. This was revealed during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Police, where the South African Police Service (SAPS) presented a report stating that 29 police officers had died from the virus.
The DA has accused the Minister of deliberately misleading Parliament and the public, and has called for him to take responsibility for his actions. They have also called for an urgent investigation into the matter and for the Minister to be held accountable for his lies.
The party has also highlighted the importance of transparency and honesty in government, especially during a time of crisis. They have emphasized that the Minister’s actions not only undermine the credibility of Parliament, but also erode the trust of the public in the government.
The DA has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of police officers during the pandemic. They have called for the Minister to provide a detailed report on the measures taken to protect police officers from COVID-19, as well as the number of officers who have been infected and the support provided to them.
The party has reiterated that the safety and health of police officers is crucial, as they are on the frontlines in the fight against crime and the pandemic. They have urged the Minister to prioritize the well-being of police officers and to ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties safely.
In light of the Minister’s actions, the DA has also called for stricter consequences for public officials who provide false information to Parliament. They have proposed that any public servant found guilty of lying to Parliament should face criminal charges and be removed from their position.
The DA’s call for accountability and transparency in government is commendable. It is important for public officials to be held accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to providing accurate information to Parliament and the public.
The Minister’s actions not only reflect poorly on himself, but also on the government as a whole. It is crucial for the government to maintain the trust and confidence of the public, especially during a time of crisis.
In conclusion, the DA’s call for the Police Minister to take accountability for lying to Parliament is justified and necessary. It is important for the Minister to take responsibility for his actions and for the government to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The safety and well-being of police officers must also be a top priority, and the government must ensure that they are adequately supported and protected during these challenging times.
