Fikile Mbalula apologises after Sapu accuses him of defaming police officers
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has apologised after being called out by the South African Policing Union (Sapu) over a remark published on his official Twitter account.The tweet related to an announcement that two police station commanders on the West Rand had been replaced‚ during a visit to the area by the minister to address community protests against criminality. On Tuesday‚ the union said: "We are giving Minister Mbalula 24 hours to retract this statement as it defames our members."Mbalula’s office said on Wednesday morning: "The minister agrees with Sapu that the content of the tweet referred to is regrettable."The tweet was written by ministry communications aide during and at the same time as the minister’s speech to the community — regrettably the tweet did not correctly capture the minister’s statement (that) … the instituted rotation (of officers) should not be seen as apportioning any guilt…."After being alerted to the tweet‚ the minister has since removed and deleted th...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.