Police Minister Bheki Cele has been forced to withdraw his claims in Parliament that Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen had allegedly abused his wife.
2023 Sona debate
Cele on Tuesday, during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (Sona) at Cape Town City Hall, alleged that Steenhuisen was abusive to his wife before he married her, which angered DA MPs and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who demanded that he withdraw his claims.
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This all started after the minister referred to Steenhuisen’s previous marriage that ended in divorce due to infidelity.
Cele accused female DA MPs of allegedly keeping quiet about the abuse allegations against their leader.
“Let’s work together to deal with gender-based violence. That invitation also goes to the honourable Mr Steenhuisen.
“We want to hear you apologising for abusing a young woman who came to work in your office and was the wife of your colleague. And you took that wife of your colleague [and] divorced your own wife…
“She is your wife today, but the women around you are quiet and not saying anything. You came into this podium and talked about gender-based violence. So, you better go and fix yourself; if not, we will help you,” said Cele.
Malema speaks out
Malema said Cele had nothing to do with Steenhuisen’s marital life, saying his claims were dangerous as they would lead to other MPs making unsubstantiated allegations in order to score political points.
The EFF leader called on National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson Amos Masondo to order Cele to withdraw his claims.
“We really cannot, with you chair sitting there, allow a situation where he drags the wife of the leader of the opposition who is not here.
“We should not use women to fight our own political battles to a point where allegations that cannot be confirmed are said here,” said Malema.
Unparliamentary
Masondo said Cele’s allegations were unparliamentary and derogatory. He urged MPs to refrain from mentioning non-members of Parliament, who cannot defend themselves in the House.
He indicated that the minister had already sent a message that he wished to withdraw and apologise for his claims before the DA lodged a complaint.
Masondo then made Cele stand up and withdraw the allegations before the Sona debate adjourned.
“I withdraw,” said Cele.
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