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Yesterday, the National Police Commissioner confirmed that Tim Williams, deputy Police Commissioner of Crime Intelligence and Crime Detection, has resigned from the South African Police Service. For almost two years, Mr. Williams filled in as acting National Commissioner in Jackie Selebi's absence, whilst continuing his duties as deputy National Commissioner of Crime Intelligence. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has established that Mr. Williams has resigned from his post without a replacement being appointed, and that there is currently no process under way to find a successor. That Tim Williams has resigned from the Police Service, apparently with no official explanation or statement, and with no process under way to replace him, is peculiar to say the least. In addition, is extremely problematic that so many posts within the senior ranks of the South African Police Service continue to stand vacant for year after year. We have already highlighted on numerous occasions the fact that these vacancies are not being addressed, and it would be exceptionally damaging for a deputy commissioner's post - essentially the second tier of SAPS hierarchy beneath the National Commission - to now stand vacant for a prolonged period. In order for crime to be tackled effectively, SAPS management needs to run efficiently. The DA is calling on the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to ensure that all vacancies at senior level are filled as a matter of priority and that the new appointees have the requisite experience and expertise. The person that is chosen to replace Mr. Williams must not be another career politician - we have too many of those in the Police Service already. Instead, we need a dynamic safety expert or career police officer with a history of ethical conduct and the right skills to get the job done. We would also like an explanation for Mr. Williams' sudden departure.