The Congress of the People is shocked at revelations that the wife of South Africa's Minister of State Security Mrs. Cwele, was arrested on Friday on drug related charges. What is even more disturbing is the possibility that Cheryl Cwele may have used her husband's position in the Cabinet to gather intelligence to cover up her nefarious activities.

The fact of the matter is that the security of the state has been compromised. Minister Cwele can surely no longer hold a position of such vital importance based on the charges pending against his wife.

It is unacceptable that this situation has occurred. All Cabinet Ministers and their immediate family, including spouses, are subjected to the most rigorous of background checks. How is it possible that this could have slipped through the cracks? This clearly shows that, as with the activities of other senior ANC leaders,  there has been a cover up, and that the security of the state has been severely compromised by criminal elements. This does not bode well for the image of South Africa in the year of the 2010 World Cup, a target that would be the jewel in the crown of terrorist and criminal enterprises.

Minister Cwele must disclose what he knew about his wife's criminal activities and resign. Failing which, the executive must to the honourable thing and fire him.

For more information, please contact Phillip Dexter on 082 453 4088

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Lerato Modisane