"Take away the cameras," Cele told SABC journalists.

"It has never happened in the other seven provinces that the media was invited. I apologise for whoever invited you."

Cele was speaking after meeting senior police management in the North West.

A media advisory sent out last week by North West police communication services said Cele would address station commissioners from across the province on Monday.

"You are cordially invited to attend the function," the advisory read.

The North West was the eighth province he visited since his appointment. The Northern Cape was last on the list.

Sapa