Zuma tackles Cele on police leases

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has asked police chief General Bheki Cele why he should not be suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry into two police leases, the presidency said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mac Maharaja said Zuma issued the notice on August 29.

"In terms of this notice, the president informed the national commissioner that he intends to institute an inquiry into allegations of misconduct in relation to the procurement of both leases as per the findings of the public protector," Maharaj said.

"The national commissioner was afforded an opportunity to make representations as to why the president should not suspend him pending the outcome of the inquiry."

He said Cele had since comprehensively responded to Zuma's notice, and the president was considering Cele's representations.

"The national commissioner is cooperating fully with the president in this process," said Maharaj.

"The president is currently in discussion with... Cele, in relation to the matters affecting him in the two reports," he said.

Most of the matters Zuma was working on could not be discussed in full without prejudicing the parties affected.

"He will continue to follow due process to ensure that the matters are disposed of using correct procedures," Maharaj said.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela found that two lease agreements with businessman Roux Shabangu for police office space in Pretoria and Durban were concluded in an unlawful and improper way.

She held Cele and Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde responsible.