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Inkatha Freedom Party has lambasted the appointment of Commissioner Bheki Cele as National Commissioner of Police saying it was a reward for his steadfast campaigning for President Jacob Zuma. Cele, the former MEC for Safety and Community Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal was appointed by President Zuma to take over as National Commissioner from Mr. Jackie Selebi who is now facing criminal charges. Speaking during the Community Safety debate at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg today Mr. Blessed Gwala, IFP MPL said: "Mr. Cele's appointment went against our belief that government positions must be depoliticized. In particular, the police service must not be allowed to operate under a cloud of perceptions of being politically biased. Merit was not the case in the appointment of Mr. Cele. Instead it was his political loyalty to the ANC and in particular it appeared to be a reward for his steadfast campaigning for His Excellency President Jacob Zuma.
"We still believe as the IFP that President Zuma should have appointed a career policeman or woman with a proven track record within the SAPS. It is appointments such as this that definitely demoralize many loyal and hardworking police officers who have dedicated years of their lives to the service of the South African public. For they realize that there is no reward for long and outstanding service as long as one is not either a card-carrying member of the ANC or at least a sympathizer who is well connected."
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