While South Africans have praised his successor for taking a hands-on approach to crime, former Minister of Police Bheki Cele has been enjoying the fruits of his retirement.
The controversial public figure stepped down from his position in July last year following the national elections.
What has he been up to since?
INSIDE BHEKI CELE’S RETIREMENT
Last week, a clip of Bheki Cele dancing at a New Year’s Eve party went viral. In the video, posted on Instagram by his wife, Thembeka, the 72-year-old was seen having a good time on the dance floor at a VIP event.
The former minister’s wife – who is 20 years his junior – has given South Africans a glimpse of what he has been up to since his official retirement.
This includes posts of him enjoying the festive season with their extended family in their Durban home, with plenty of dancing and singing karaoke. Bheki has also spoilt his wife with a fine dining experience during a date night.
Then there was a viral TikTok video of the no-nonsense minister queuing in line at a Chicken Licken fast-food restaurant.
Take a look…
@amandatamia7 Ngicishe ngabanjwa ngishuthela nina Content😩 #SAMA28 #tiktocksouthafrica #viralvideo #fypシ゚viral #bhekicele #bhekicelechallenge ♬ original sound – Lyric.Vill
GETTING HEALTHY
Bheki Cele has also retired from the fast pace and stress of life as the Minister of Police.
Speaking to SABC, Bheki Cele revealed that he had chosen a quieter and healthy lifestyle.
He said: “I wake up in the morning and go to the gym — something I’ve missed most of the time. My wife gives me unappetising food; she doesn’t allow me to eat scones. She gives me rabbit food”.
THREATS AND RECENT BREAK-IN
While Bheki Cele appears to be enjoying his retirement, he told the national broadcaster that he’s also had to step up his security amid threats to his safety.
This includes his claims that he’s been followed on multiple occasions and a recent home burglary.
He said: “I have reported some incidents to the police. I’ve seen the cars that were following me, and I’ve especially reported this to the provincial commissioner. He sent people to the house at about 1am because there was a break-in; they took some items from the house”.
In typical Bheki Cele style, he added: “I’m scared of nobody, not just now but even when I was a minister.
“This is not a job for roses or flowers; it comes with the package of the job. Going forward, we have to be prepared for those of us in the security space, but for some of us, we are fine.”
DID BHEKI CELE RETIRE AT THE RIGHT TIME?
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