Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has lashed out at those who have criticised the appointment of Acting National Police Commissioner Major-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
After his meeting with Mkhwanazi on Tuesday, Mthethwa said it was unfortunate that the acting police commissioner had not even spent a day in office and already people had begun peddling negative remarks about his seniority, experience and age.
"This is a tried-and-tested cop. The fact of the matter is that we are not talking about a junior constable here. General Mkhwanazi has grown through the SAPS ranks having excellently distinguished himself in various key components including the National Intervention Unit, Air Wing, Public Order Policing to mention but a few. So he is not a mafikizolo (newcomer)," he said.
The Police Ministry said following President Jacob Zuma's announcement that General Bheki Cele had been suspended as National Police Commissioner and Mkhwanazi would act in the position, "so-called security experts and analysts have questioned Mkhwanazi's credentials and fitness to hold office; and in some instances, faceless senior SAPS management have been quoted in certain newspapers".
"The very same people who are questioning his credentials would in any way, have moaned had the President appointed someone who was outside the SAPS ranks - that is for sure. I have urged him to remain focused on the tasks ahead; as he steers this SAPS ship with diligence. I remain confident that together with his colleagues, they will rise to the occasion," Mthethwa added.
The minister said he met with Mkhwanazi and SAPS management with one clear message - the fight against crime must and will continue.
"As the police leadership and management we will not be distracted by some negative comments and I have asked this team to keep their eyes firmly focused on the challenge that lies ahead, which is to ensure that we keep South Africans safe, nothing else," he said.
Mthethwa reiterated his support for SAPS management and called on South Africans to continue supporting the police.
