Police to get new commissioner soon

Monday, June 8, 2009

Cape Town - The South African Police Services should get a new national commissioner soon, according to President Jacob Zuma.

In an SABC television interview, President Zuma said a "very decisive decision" would be taken when the contract of the current commissioner, Jackie Selebi, expires within the next two months.

He is currently on special leave pending a criminal case.

"As you know the commissioner of police, I think the contract ends in June, between June or July. And I'm certain that once it ends there will be a very decisive decision taken with regard with the commissioner.

"So that is being worked on, that we are not going to have acting people all the time. It doesn't give a good impression that you are dealing with issues seriously, so that is going to be addressed, and the minister is working on it," President Zuma said.

Mr Zuma was adamant that the country needed a permanent police chief. He said: "We are not going to have acting people all the time, it doesn't give a good impression that you are dealing with issues seriously."

President Zuma said he wanted to ensure that the police were geared to fight crime.

"One of the things is the remuneration of the police force. It has to be decent if they are to do their work. We need to invest there," he said.

The President also hinted that the government will not renege on its promise of better pay for the public sector, but has vowed that bad service will not be tolerated.

He also promised to resolve wage grievances among doctors and the police, adding that a better South Africa depended upon improved education, health and police services.