Appointment of New Police Commissioner Will be a Thorough Consultative Process | Western Cape Government

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Appointment of New Police Commissioner Will be a Thorough Consultative Process

18 August 2010

It has come to my attention through various newspaper reports today that there is widespread speculation about the successor to Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros, who was yesterday officially transferred to Gauteng.

I would like to state unequivocally that such speculation is premature, irresponsible and can result in destructive behaviour detrimental to the important work required of the South African Police Service.

There is a very clear process when a Provincial Police Commissioner is appointed and to that effect I would like to set it out as follows:

Firstly, the National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele may propose a lateral appointment in consultation with the Provincial Executive.

Secondly, the position may be advertised and anyone who feels that they are indeed fit to hold such position may apply.

In this instance, I, as the MEC, will sit on the interview panel and subsequent to that, make certain recommendations.

In terms of the Provincial Constitution, the Provincial Executive has the right to call any candidate to appear before it, and can make recommendations in this regard.

Should the National Commissioner and the Provincial Executive not be in agreement over a particular candidate, the National Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, can mediate the process.

I would like to assure the people of the Western Cape that the appointment of the new Police Commissioner will be subject to a thorough process to ensure that the best possible candidate, who has the safety and interest of all citizens at heart, will be appointed.

Cadre deployment is not an option and will not be tolerated. We would like to have someone who understands policing and their constitutional obligations.

I therefore appeal to the media to stop the speculation about possible candidates and rather to act responsibly and allow the process as indicated herein, to be finalised.

The safety of the people of the Western Cape is our first priority and is not negotiable. We will not compromise this in the process.

Statement by:
Adv. Lennit Max
Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Media Enquiries: 

Melany Kühn
Spokesperson for Minister Max
Cell: 078 887 7004