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The ACDP welcomes the President’s decision to release former National Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele, from his duties following the recommendation by the Judge Maloi Commission.

While Commisioner Cele did an excellent job in leading the police in the fight against crime, which led to a decline in violent crimes, he was found wanting in matters of administration.

The ACDP had hoped that his replacement would be a professional career policeman, who had experience in matters of policing, such as Divisional Commissioner Makwanasi, who we believe did an excellent job. We are nevertheless disappointed that the President chose rather to appoint a civilian, Ms Mangwashi Phiyega, who has no experience in matters of policing.

We have had two civilians in the position of National Police Commissioner, neither of whom completed their terms of office for various reasons, hence our preference that the portfolio holder of this office be a career police person. The ACDP has no doubt that there are many experienced police men or women who could have done an excellent job, but who were unfortunately overlooked by the President, who preferred a political appointee.

Furthermore, while promotion has to be welcomed at all times, the ACDP was disappointed to learn that the President has decided to move the current, highly competent Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Police, Ms Cindy Chikunga to the Department of Transport. We believe that this decision came at the wrong time, as the Department of Police needs her expertise and courage far more.

With the mess that the SAPS is in, Ms Chikunga’s leadership and forthrightness is an absolute necessity, as she is not afraid of interrogating the police, insisting on transparency in money matters and demanding answers where necessary. She will sorely missed.