Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has confirmed that Cabinet has recommended former Ekurhuleni police chief Robert McBride to be appointed as Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The police ministry on Tuesday said the process of appointing a permanent head of IPID was done by advertising the position via media platforms and various public service circulars.
According to the ministry, McBride was the successful candidate following the shortlisting, interviewing processes as well as Cabinet’s endorsement.
However in line with the IPID Act, the appointment can only be finalised once Parliament has concurred.
IPID has been headed by an Acting Executive Director for almost a year and Mthethwa believes that McBride brings the stability it needs.
“We believe Mr McBride’s appointment as head of IPID will help this important institution to achieve this mandate. As the Ministry of Police, we have done our part by putting in place a legislative framework with sufficient powers to enable the IPID to do its oversight work. It is now up to the IPID to take the next step,” Mthethwa said.
The IPID is an independent oversight body over the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Municipal Police Services (MPS). It conducts independent investigations of identified criminal offences allegedly committed by members of the SAPS and the MPS, and makes the appropriate recommendations.
“We expect the IPID to investigate without fear, favour or prejudice. Such an approach will earn the IPID respect within the ranks of the police, who may be more inclined to cooperate because they are treated with professionalism and without any malice,” Mthethwa said.
Before his post as Chief of Police at Ekurhuleni, McBride held various directorships at the Department of Foreign Affairs and has served on the Immigration Advisory Board. He is a former Member of Parliament. – SAnews.gov.za
