Minister of Police must withdraw ‘downgraded' advert for top intelligence position 

It is outrageous that Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, and National Police Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, continue to lower the bar for senior, critical police positions. According to reports, the requirements for Provincial Crime Intelligence Heads have been downgraded from a diploma or degree to a matric certificate - contrary to National Instruction 4/2010 that states candidates should at least have an NQF level 6 qualification. A matric certificate for a million rand position (see Times report).

The DA will write today to the Minister asking that he withdraw the advert immediately and re-submit it with the original requirements. I will also demand an explanation from the Minister for this unacceptable and ridiculous downgrade was even contemplated, never mind given effect to.

It is obvious that these lowered requirements are to ensure positions are tailor-made for unsuitable candidates earmarked for these positions - very much like the appointment of Robert McBride who despite being a controversial figure, now heads up the Independent Police Investigate Directorate (IPID). 

Former Crime Intelligence boss, Chris Ncgobo - who was suspended for discrepancies regarding his matric certificate - issued the instruction to open up a case against Commissioner Phiyega for defeating the ends of justice.  

This further adds to concerns that these positions are being tailored for persons who might look the other way when senior officials are engaging in dubious activities. 

The dysfunction of our Crime Intelligence Division is the reason why organised crime continues to thrive in South Africa. It is also due to a lack of intelligence that police and civilians are killed during protest action - police are ill-equipped whilst attending to protests because they have no credible intelligence pertaining to the situation on the ground. 

Heads of crime intelligence need to be strategic and analytical thinkers: essentially they need to have the capacity to outwit criminal masterminds. 

President Zuma's ANC shows time and time again that they are not serious about the fight against crime. We need strong, capable leadership to steer the Crime Intelligence helm if we are going to make inroads in the fight against crime. A vote for the DA on 7 May will ensure the South African public gets just this.  

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, March 14 2014

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