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Appointment of new national police commissioner welcomed

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Crime Analyst Dr Chris De Kock has welcomed the appointment of the new Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola.

General Masemola replaces Khehla Sitole whose contract effectively came to an end on March 31.

Ramaphosa says the termination of Sitole’s contract was in the best interest of the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Masemola’s appointment on Thursday afternoon:

De Kock says Masemola’s appointment is a good choice as he’s a career police officer who can lead the men and women in blue.

“This is a good appointment. I can definitely say this is a good appointment. I have worked under him when I was in the police, he was [a] very operational man. He dealt with crime and he was Deputy Commissioner of Operations when the current Minister was the Police Commissioner. I think they can work well together to reduce the levels of crime which is very high at this stage,” adds De Kock.

Crime Analyst Dr Chris de Kock reacts to the appointment of the new Police Commissioner:

Cele welcome Masemola’s appointment

Police Minister Bheki Cele says he’s happy with Masemola’s appointment.

Cele’s spokesperson Lirandzu Themba says the ministry has received the news of Masemola’s appointment with optimism.

“The Ministry of Police has received the announcement of the appointment of Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the country’s new National Commissioner, with much enthusiasm and optimism. The ministry is hopeful this appointment, which marks a new chapter in the life of the SAPS, will further strengthen the existing efforts within the police service to safeguard South Africans and all those who live within our borders along with their property.”

“The [ministry] has commended President Ramaphosa for acting with agility in making the appointment and not allowing a vacuum to exist in this office, which is critical in the leadership and the mobilisation of all personnel and resources responsible for the safety and security of our country.”

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