ANA reports that the South African Policing Union (SAPU) on Wednesday said it welcomed the appointment of General Bheki Cele as the new police minister.  President Cyril Ramaphosa named Cele – a former national police commissioner – in his new Cabinet earlier this week.  

SAPU said it held Cele in high regard because of “our engagements with him whilst he was the national police commissioner”.  In a statement, SAPU went on to say:  “General Cele proved his passion for policing although he was never a career police officer.  We join thousands of law-abiding citizens who are excited about his appointment.  Already functionary members on the ground are looking forward to a minister that will walk with them in the difficult journey of combating crime.”  SAPU also said that Cele must prioritise support for police officers when they faced legal challenges regarding “unfortunate killings” of crime suspects.

• Read this report in full at The Citizen
• Read SAPU’s press statement at Polity

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