Political analyst Eldred de Klerk says the termination of National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole’s contract is long overdue.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday announced that Sitole’s contract would be terminated with effect from March 31, 2022, by mutual agreement.
Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions from various opposition parties and organisations regarding Sitole’s sacking. Some have welcomed the news and others say the move does not go far enough to restore confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Statement on departure of SAPS National Commissioner
President @CyrilRamaphosa has, by mutual agreement, terminated the employment contract of the South African Police Service National Commissioner, Gen. Khehla Sitole, with effect from 31 March 2022. https://t.co/qoyzTgRZ5W
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) February 25, 2022
De Klerk has echoed Ramaphosa’s sentiment that terminating Sitole’s contract was in the country’s best interests.
De Klerk says, “You want somebody to exit with some level of dignity, we knew that it was inevitable that he would be deposed and this is a smarter and much more dignified way to do that. So truly speaking, he fell on his sword and vacated the office without resistance.”
“This is for him a much better way to go because if was fired the conditions of his exit would be maybe it would affect his pension for his years of service because he would not be entitled to that,” added De Klerk.
Ramaphosa terminates Sitole employment contract:
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says the firing of Sitole has the hallmarks of African National Congress (ANC) factional battles.
However, EFF Spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said firing Sitole will not bring any stability in the police service as Minister Bheki Cele is the root of the problem in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
He says the President kept Cele for political reasons.
Sitole’s removal and the impact on policing:
EFF Statement On The Misfiring Of Commissioner Of Police Khehla Sithole pic.twitter.com/TgHW6aND3q
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 25, 2022
