Cele: Malema’s anti-police remarks ‘has crossed a line’
Police Minister Bheki Cele has called on police to defend themselves against what he believes to be threats by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
EFF leader Julius Malema has come under fire for perceived anti-police remarks he made on Sunday while speaking at a community meeting in Mohokare in the Free State.
Malema told supporters that the party members would not shy away from retaliating against police in clashes.
“If South African police want a fight, they must declare it, we will treat them the same way we treated them in the ’80s,” he said.
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It’s believed that he was referring to the clashed between the EFF and the police during an anti-racism march in Brackenfell on Friday.
On Monday, Cele expressed disappointment at Malema’s remarks.
“I think the EFF leader has crossed the line; you not going to threaten the police and think they will just fold their arms.
"The job of the police is clear and is prescribed in the Constitution, which is to protect, prevent, combat, and investigate crime. Police are also there to uphold and enforce the law, so no one has the right to threaten the police when they conduct their work,” Cele said.
Cele said he’s confident police would be more than capable of defending themselves, should they come under any attack.
“The threat to the lives of police members and their families will not be tolerated, officers of the law should never be used as bait for political mileage,” Cele added.
“Nobody has the right to threaten the police, especially when it comes to their jobs.”
The red berets have had several clashes with law enforcement in recent weeks, including in Senekal and Cape Town during protests against racism.
