News24 reports that the parliamentary portfolio committee on police said last week that SA needed to have a new national police commissioner appointed as soon as possible to fix operational problems in the SA Police Service (SAPS).
Committee chairperson Francois Beukman said an appointment of a permanent police head was needed as a matter of urgency to stabilise the SAPS after it received its first qualified audit in eight years. "The country needs a competent accounting officer who has energy, strategic vision and innovative plans to fight crime, corruption and the proliferation of illegal firearms," Beukman stated. Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba has been acting in the position since 1 June. This after his two predecessors, Khomotso Phahlane and Riya Phiyega, were both relieved of their duties early in their tenures. The challenges in the 2016/17 financial year as indicated in the budget review report included: lack of stability in key positions; lack of internal controls; and poor leadership.
- Read this report by Paul Herman in full at News24
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