Our infallible chief of police, General Bheki Cele, has humbly decided to withdraw his statement calling  murder suspect, Shrien Dewani, “a monkey”.

It has been a mere four months, but Cele decided that in the interest of all concerned, he ought to withdraw his monkey comment, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said on Monday. And so he did.

In December, the director of the Institute for Accountability in Southern Africa, Paul Hoffmann, laid a complaint against Cele for his comments, which he said amounted to calling Dewani a monkey.

Hoffman said that the statement was not only improper, but unlawful and could prejudice Dewani’s extradition proceeding from the United Kingdom.

Madonsela stated that Cele presented her with a signed statement, dated the 5th of April, saying it was his bad and he didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings.

His statement read:

I refer to a fairly recent comment attributed to myself in the course of a media enquiry relating to a British murder suspect, one Mr Shrien Dewani.

A statement by myself contained a reference to the word ‘monkey’. The comment attracted media attention and debate about, for instance, its derogatory nature and possible impact on a pending trial. It was not my wish to generate or even participate in any such debate.

I have taken note of some of the reactions. The comment was however made with no intent to harm or offend anyone. In this regard, it is my wish to reiterate my respect for the Constitution and all the rights it enshrines.

I believe the South African Police Service has to move on and focus on carrying out its commitment to ensuring that everyone in this country is safe, and does feel safe. I therefore wish to retract the use of the word.

Madensela has said she has accepted his explanation and the matter is now done and dusted.

Isn’t that nice?

[Source : News24]