On Thursday, South Africa’s new national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, was chosen — here’s all you need to know about the country’s new top policeman.
General Khehla Sitole was succeeded by Masemola.
Career policeman
Masemola has 35 years of law enforcement experience. He is a career police officer who has progressed through the ranks of the South African Police Services (Saps).
Ramaphosa stated Masemola has a “excellent record of successes in policing in South Africa” when he announced him as the new police commissioner.
During the democratic era, he was involved in the security planning for all of South Africa’s elections. He was also a member of security teams for big events in the country, including the 2010 World Cup.
Previous positions
Before being promoted to the top role with the Saps, Masemola worked as a deputy police commissioner.
From 2013 to 2016, he was the provincial police commissioner of Limpopo, and from 2006 to 2010, he was the deputy police commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal.
Police Minister Bheki Cele
Masemola is also said to get along well with Bheki Cele, the Police Minister. During the minister’s visits to the provinces, he was frequently spotted with him.
Has solid relationships, which might provide a non-controversial element to a job that was riven by discord throughout Sitole’s term.
He is believed to get along well with Bheki Cele, the Police Minister.
“With extensive experience in both administrative and operational aspects of the Saps, the Police Ministry is confident that Lt General Masemola, who has served as the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing since April 2016, will hit the ground running in pursuing the organization’s overall vision and propelling it to new heights,” the Police Ministry said in a statement.
“The Ministry will continue to provide support to the National Commissioner’s office as it plots a course of action that we are confident will restore morale and unity within the organization.”
The SA Police Union applauded his appointment as well.
“When we knock on his door, he would give us an ear; he is not someone who would lock you out, he is not someone who is harsh, he is someone who is extremely modest,” Thobakgale added.
Age
The retirement age for officers in South Africa is 60 years old. At 58, Masemola is close to this age and would seem to be a short-term appointment.