‘Another deployed cadre’: DA on new Police Commissioner

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has joined the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in cautioning the newly appointed National Commissioner of the SAPS, Fannie Masemola against Police Minister, Bheki Cele.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced General Fannie Masemola as the new National Police Commissioner on Thursday, 31 March.

The DA said with Police Minister Bheki Cele serving on the selection panel with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, and the secrecy surrounding the appointment process does little to engender faith that Masemola is not simply another deployed cadre.

The party said it is simply absurd that the appointment of a national police commissioner is not open to public scrutiny, especially as there is already precedent in the appointment of heads of Chapter 9 institutions.

DA shadow minister of police, Andrew Whitfield said General Masemola’s key test will be his ability to stand up to Minister Cele’s bullying and efforts to micromanage the operational affairs of the SAPS.

“The commissioner will have to prove to South Africans that he is independent and not merely Minister Cele’s puppet. This will mean difficult and brave decisions that effectively combat corruption and crime, and also keep Cele from his dream of being both Minister and Commissioner.

“The President wasted an opportunity to build trust in the police service at the outset by taking the public into his confidence through a transparent selection process. Instead he decided to conduct the process in the darkest corners of the Presidency.”

Andrew Whitfield

The DA said in order for Masemola to enjoy its full, he will need to deliver results not platitudes and we will be monitoring his performance very closely. He simply cannot allow Minister Cele’s efforts to capture SAPS to continue.

“Trust in SAPS is extremely low, with very good reason. Minister Cele’s bungling plays a large part in the complete disarray of the police service. The new commissioner has a tough road ahead if he hopes to change the tide.”

The DA’s warning comes after EFF leader, Julius Malema also cautioned Masemola against Cele.

Action Society director of community safety, Ian Cameron, believes there were far better internal candidates to replace Sitole. He singled out Gauteng and KZN police commissioners Elias Mawela and Lucky Mkwanazi.

“Masemola does not have a track record of solid leadership. In fact, members on the ground do not like him and say he is just waiting around until he can retire in a year or two. He is not only a Cele-man but also a Zuma-man, and now he is a Ramaphosa-man – thus the ANC’s man.”

Ian Cameroon