PRETORIA – 26th January 2015: The Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Makhotso Maggie Sotyu, today expressed her condolences on the passing away of the former National Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jackie Selebi, who passed away on 23rd January 2015. The Deputy Minister of Police is visiting the Selebi's family this morning, Monday, 26th January 2015 at 11.30am, to pay her respect.

"I am not only greatly saddened, but also deeply hurt by the passing of Mr. Jackie Selebi. I had known and worked with the late Mr. Selebi in both his then capacity as the Comrade in the African National Congress, and as a Colleague in Government. When Mr Selebi was a National Commissioner of Police, I was a Member of Parliament, and a Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Safety and Security (as it was called then). As the National Commissioner of Police, Mr.Selebi was a dedicated and a committed senior official of Government, who served the South African Police Service and his country, with excellence and with passion. The work space we shared was cordial and professional.

Thus, I remain appalled by all those who continued vilifying him, even questioning the credible reasons behind his parole. These sinisters even went to an extent of insinuating that his parole was not on medical grounds but on political ones. What should be of fundamental is for us to celebrate all the good work that Mr. Selebi did for the SAPS, which was to ensure that all South Africans were safe. We must indeed continue commemorating the legacy that he left us as a nation, in his sterling work as the member of the liberation movement, the African National Congress", stated the Deputy Minister of Police.

"I wish to extend my message of condolences to soothe and comfort the family in this difficult time. May his departed soul be blessed with eternal peace, and may his family find strength and support as they cope with this grave loss", said the Deputy Minister of Police.

Enquiries please contact:
Nomsa Hani at 0827722053

Ms. Nomsa Hani
Head of Office & Spokesperson
Office of the Deputy Minister of Police
Ministry of Police
Private Bag X463
PRETORIA
0001
Tel: +27 12 3934469 / 21 4677023
Fax: +27 12 3934469 / 21 4614174
Cell: +27 (0) 82 772 2053