The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance welcomes President Zuma’s decision to relieve former National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele of his duties. Sacking Cele was the right thing to do.

However, singing the praises of Cele as the President did this afternoon is an insult to the remaining dedicated and law-abiding members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The President’s strong action against Cele was unfortunately watered down by the “personal gratitude” expressed to the fallen general.

The DA also cautiously welcomes the appointment of Mangwashi Phiyega as the new National Police Commissioner. Her qualifications and wealth of experience in management make a welcome addition to the top brass of the SAPS. The DA remains concerned, however, that she is not a career police officer and has no experience in fighting crime.

The fact that she is not a career politician is, however, a welcome departure from her predecessors and we trust that her tenure will not be marked by similar disgraceful conduct. We wish Phiyega well in her new position, where challenges abound. We will continue to closely monitor and scrutinise developments in the police under her watch.

The DA hopes that Phiyega’s appointment will usher in a new era for the SAPS marked by stability and effective management at the top level. We trust that this will translate into increased credibility and integrity for the service as well as renewed confidence and public trust in the work of the police.