The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Minister of Public Works, Mr. Jeff Doidge, today (17 August 2010) in Parliament said that the transaction for the renting of another building for R500 million for a Police head office, has been put on hold. This follows after the Freedom Front Plus had already on 2 August 2010 requested the Public Protector to investigate the Department of Public Works and the Police Commissioner, Gen. Bheki Cele's rental contract for buildings of Roux Shabangu worth R500 million.

"The fact that the Minister has put this contract on hold is welcomed. The Public Protector informed the Freedom Front Plus in writing that she is investigating this issue. We also welcome the announcement of President Jacob Zuma that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will also be investigating the Police for corruption. This investigation should however not only deal with issues which had been dealt with during the period in which the previous Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi was in charge, but should also cover supply chain agreements which have been concluded since the start of Gen. Cele's term had started in June 2009," Mr. Pieter Groenewald (MP), chief spokesperson on the Police for the Freedom Front Plus says.

"The Freedom Front Plus requested the Public Protector to not only investigate the contravention of rules and regulations regarding tenders, but to also investigate whether a second building, which has to serve as another Police head office is really needed. A second building is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers' money. The R500 million could rather have been used to appoint more police members and increase visible policing," Mr. Groenewald said.