SAPS welcomes new National Commissioner

Friday, July 31, 2009

Pretoria - The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its top management have welcomed the appointment of Bheki Cele as the new National Police Commissioner.

President Jacob Zuma appointed Mr Cele as the new National Police Commissioner on Wednesday to take over from Jackie Selebi.

The police's Management Forum issued a statement on Thursday on behalf of the Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners and Divisional Commissioner, congratulating the former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Community Safety and Liaison.

"We look forward to working closely with National Commissioner Cele in order to reduce the levels of crime, especially violent crime, in South Africa and to protect the citizens of this country," said the members of the SAPS Management Forum.

They further said they would fully support National Commissioner Cele, who will begin his work on Monday.

"National Commissioner Cele has experience in the safety portfolio and top management supports President Zuma's statement that there is no doubt that Mr Cele will lead the SAPS efficiently and effectively."

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has also congratulated Mr Cele on his appointment.

"We are confident that Mr Cele will provide the inspiration and motivation needed by the police as we prepare for 2010 and beyond," said Jerry Vilakazi, BUSA's Chief Executive Officer.

BUSA further welcomed the speed in which his appointment was made by President Jacob Zuma, saying that his appointment signals the President's commitment to business to decisively address the serious crime levels in society.

"Business will work with and support the new Commissioner in ensuring that we create a safe South Africa and eradicate the cost of crime on business and in our society in general. Through Business Against Crime, business will continue to work side by side with government in fighting crime," said BUSA.