Taxpayers forked out nearly R450 000 to fund the trip of Police Minister Bheki Cele’s assistant to France for the Rugby World Cup final.

In a parliamentary question, the DA also sought information from the Minister concerning the expenses related to travel and accommodation for the trip, The Citizen reports.

Cele, in his reply, revealed that R33 256 was spent on his trip and it was sponsored by a private company.

‘Yes, the trip was fully sponsored by a private company for the Minister of Police except for the S&T and travel insurance,’ said Cele in a response to DA MP Greg Krumbock’s question.

The Minister also indicated government paid R446 339 for his executive assistant’s trip as well.

‘The executive assistant to the Minister of Police, accompanied the Minister of Police as an official assistant, flights, accommodation and ground transport were incurred by the Ministry of Police. However, meals and access to the stadium was sponsored by the private company,’ the written reply further states.

According to Cele, no other related costs were incurred by his department. 

The DA has confirmed that it will submit a Promotion of Access to Information Act application to Cele to get more information about the name of the private company, whether Cele’s assistant flew in business or first class, and if the person stayed in five-star hotels on the taxpayer’s purse.

The party also wants the Minister to share details with regards to the purpose of the assistant travelling to the World Cup, whether any additional expenses were paid for by the taxpayer for VIP protection, and whether the private company has any dealings with the SAPS or the government.

Full report in The Citizen