Cedrick Nkabinde, the chief of staff for the police ministry, is demanding a public apology from advocate Norman Arendse, an evidence leader in a parliamentary inquiry. The demand comes after Arendse linked Nkabinde to drug cartels during a televised hearing.
The incident occurred during an inquiry into police corruption. Arendse asked a witness if they knew Nkabinde and others, then stated these individuals were “linked to the drug cartels operating in Gauteng.”
In a legal letter, Nkabinde’s lawyers called the statements false and defamatory. They argued the allegations damage his reputation and pose a risk to his family. The letter gives Arendse an ultimatum: provide evidence to support the claim or issue a full public retraction and apology.
A spokesperson for the parliamentary committee said Arendse would be the best person to comment on the matter. There has been no public response from Arendse so far.