National Commissioner takes action against two Major Generals

Pretoria - Shortly after my appointment, I indicated that I subscribed to the ISE school of thought. That is Integrity, Service to others before self and Excellence. I remain true to that statement to this day. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is a very large organisation with some 200 000 people. The accounting officer is the National Commissioner who is supported by a leadership team. The National Commissioner, therefore, does not lead alone.

I have on several occasions, together with the leadership team, committed the SAPS towards a new journey. Embedded in this new journey is a commitment to integrity. Whilst every police officer is expected to be a person of integrity, I expect a lot more from those who lead this organisation with me.

It is against this backdrop that I announce, with a huge sense of disappointment, that during a vetting process, discrepancies were found between the declaration made by Major General Chris Ngcobo and official records pertaining to his qualifications. Major General Ngcobo, Acting Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, has so far failed to satisfactorily explain the discrepancies. His top secret security clearance was therefore denied. As such, I placed him on special leave yesterday and instructed that criminal investigations and disciplinary action against him be initiated. I want to ensure that this matter is dealt with swiftly.

Given the seriousness of the allegations against Major General Ngcobo, I have appointed Major General (Dr) Bongiwe Zulu as the Acting Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence until further notice.

Major General Zulu has served for 11 years in the SAPS having moved from the Department of Education to this organisation in 2002. She joined the SAPS with the rank of Colonel. She was promoted to the rank of Brigadier in 2007 and Major General in 2011.

Major General Zulu attained her matric in 1987, a Bachelor of Science in 1993, followed by a Bachelors degree in Education in 1996, Masters in Education in 1998 and her doctorate in Education in 2000.

Major General Zulu was a Brigadier for approximately three years in Crime Intelligence in the SAPS where she played a strategic management role. She is currently serving in the Human Resource Development Division.

Meanwhile, following the arrest on allegations of fraud and a parallel internal investigation into the veracity of the allegations against Major General Simon Mapyane, Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, I have reviewed all the relevant documentation. It is clear that major General Mapyane has a case to answer. I have instructed the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Kehla Sitole to ensure that an internal disciplinary process is initiated against Major General Mapyane.

Although there is strong evidence in both matters, the purpose of this statement is not to prejudice either the internal or external investigations and disciplinary processes. Both senior officers must present their side of the story before the relevant authorities.

Statement issued by Riah Phiyega, National Commissioner South African Police Service, October 22 2013

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