Bheki Cele makes top cops share their cellphone numbers with community
Police minister Bheki Cele speaks to the Chatsworth community after the murder of nine-year-old Sadia Sukhraj this week. Police minister Bheki Cele speaks to the Chatsworth community after the murder of nine-year-old Sadia Sukhraj this week.
Durban - Police Minister Bheki Cele, speaking at a public gathering in a packed Chatsworth Youth Centre on Thursday, took an unusual measure by making top cops give their cellphone numbers to the community.
Cele was speaking to an angry Chatsworth gathering after the murder of Sadia Sukhraj in a carjacking case on Monday. Three armed men attacked her father and a shootout ensued. One suspected hijacker was shot dead, another - Sibonelo Mkhize - was arrested and a third fled.
He said the three had a "string of crimes" to their name and were "hardcore" hijacking criminals.
At the meeting Cele insisted that top cops and MECs don't pay for their own phone bills, so that means residents pay them and they deserve to have the numbers. He also warned his top brass before they gave their numbers to the community. "No voice mail." he said.
Police minister Bheki Cele talks to the Chatsworth Community. Video: Arthi Gopi
Cele got the ball rolling by giving his own number.
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Then he introduced the new provincial commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. "This is the last number in the province," he said. "You only phone me when you are not satisfied by him."
Mkhwanazi took to the stage and read his number: 083 782 6384
Head of Special Forces Lt Gen Elias Mawela read out his number: 082 575 4675.
"He's got five calls already," said Cele.
Then he introduced National Head of Detectives Lt Gen Tevello Mosikili. She gave her number: 079 505 3235.
"Don't ask her how's life," Cele quipped. "these calls are not for how's life. Stick to the work."
Deputy provincial commissioner Major General Mzikayifani Zondi read his number: 082 331 9650
Cele said while the MEC's present did not report to him, he invited them to join in making themselves accessible to the public.
Ravi Pillay MEC for human settlements gave his as 083 236 6950.
MEC for safety and security Mxolisi Kaunda stood up and gave his 078 299 8033. "I cope you continue to pay may salary," he said.
So when all else fails, call the boss on 079 302 0100.
The Independent on Saturday