Twitter reacts to Bheki Cele being appointed police minister

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle on Monday night, which saw General Bheki Cele replace Fikile Mbalula as the minister of police, South Africans on Twitter have been sharing their reactions to Cele’s appointment, with #BhekiCele now trending on the social media platform.

When #BhekiCele was National Police Commissioner, he made his mark. I’m confident he is going to make a real difference as Minister. Let’s all join hands and @MakeSAsafe – @CyrilRamaphosa @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/qLRtAd8Zh5

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 27, 2018

However, the reactions to his appointment are mixed, with some expressing their confidence in the general and that his appointment would result in a revitalised police force that would address high levels of crime effectively and others sharing their concerns about the fact that Cele was suspended as commissioner of police a few years ago.

Armed Robbery was lowest under #BhekiCele. The General is BACK. To God be the Glory!!! 🇿🇦😍❤️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/C20PwMQYKH

— Masechaba Khumalo 💫🌕🕯️ (@MasechabaAfrica) February 26, 2018

Cele was suspended as commissioner of police by former President Jacob Zuma after the then public protector, Thuli Madonsela, found that his involvement in a controversial lease deal for police headquarters was “improper, unlawful and amounted to maladministration”.

https://twitter.com/_Paledi/status/968224037666254848

Before his appointment as national commissioner of the South African Police Service, Cele was the MEC for transport, community safety and liaison in KZN.

So the general is back 😄😄😄eish feeling safe now Amen #BhekiCele pic.twitter.com/yUDoGSpyvW

— Ernest (@ernestkmore) February 27, 2018

As an MEC, Cele was at the forefront in the fight against taxi violence within the province and pioneered the campaign, ‘Catching Crime on the Highway’, and was behind another called ‘Zero Tolerance to 100% Compliance in KwaZulu-Natal’.

https://twitter.com/DJ13SA/status/968232544989863938

Cele made headlines when he advocated for members of the police force to “shoot to kill” criminals without worrying about “what happens after that” as a way of addressing violent crime.

Ladies and Gentleman Mr Shoot to kill He's Back #BhekiCele pic.twitter.com/VhFx4OGIsV

— Tee_les 🇿🇦 (@Tee_lesSA) February 26, 2018

Since his removal as commissioner, there have been calls on social media for Cele’s reappointment, leading to the #BringBackBhekiCele.

Dear @CyrilRamaphosa
I hope this finds you in good health this morning 🌄

We are tired of @MbalulaFikile who is not doing anything about the death of #SenzoMeyiwa can you please bring General Bheki Cele. #JusticeForSenzoMeyiwa #BringBackBhekiCele pic.twitter.com/HJ7qCVY40C

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— Kakapa 🖇️ (@Adv_Ishmael) February 23, 2018

Since the tragic fatal shooting of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, many in the Twitterverse have shared the view that Cele’s return to the police ministry would lead to the arrest of those behind Meyiwa’s murder.

#BhekiCele’s mandate is clear he must issue arrests for everyone who was at Kelly’s house when Senzo Was killed

Question them and get answers , we have waited since 2014 for #JusticeForSenzoMeyiwa

#CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/Hvus2ooB9I

— IG: ChulayoK 💪✨ (@ChulayoM) February 27, 2018

Here are some tweets on Cele’s appointment as minister of police:

https://twitter.com/youngtweezy_k/status/968406172649840640

I don't have a single problem with #BhekiCele as minister of police but his idea of militaristic of police is worrying.Good luck comrade 😩 pic.twitter.com/VeMA3scAhk

— Qualkie UBURAK 🇨🇲….🇲🇼…🇲🇱 (@uburakqualkie) February 27, 2018

Car owners after hearing #BhekiCele is back #CabinetReshuffle pic.twitter.com/obNmsmUEx0

— Nkosana thunzi (@nkosana_thunzi) February 27, 2018

#BhekiCele after the #CabinetReshuffle yesterday #JusticeForSenzoMeyiwa pic.twitter.com/FBq4hVOaxZ

— Ronny TheChosenOne (@Ronny91469073) February 27, 2018

#BhekiCele as Minister of Police.

Police officer : Sir may I please see your license.
Me :I forgot it at..
Police officer : pic.twitter.com/SLpD6uTaJK

— Kagiso Tshabalala Photography (@KAGI_TSHABALALA) February 27, 2018

#BhekiCele will probably win at this second round of Hide & Seek

— Amavampire (@TseraiJMusic) February 27, 2018