POPCRU statement on the appointment of a new national police commissioner
23 November 2017
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has noted the appointment of General Khehla John Sitole as national police commissioner by the president of the republic.
Over the years, we have witnessed a lot of inconsistencies that have taken place on the very position of national police commissioner, considering the many changes that have taken place therein since our democratic breakthrough. This has had a negative impact on policing in our country and has surely delayed the much needed progress that could have otherwise been attained in our common goal of fighting crime and building sustainable relations with our communities.
It can only be at such time when the newly appointed national police commissioner spells out his vision for the service that a determination can be made as to whether he would be the right person for taking the police forward or otherwise.
As it stands, there are no approved national and provincial structures, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is operating in silos. We would like to see police stations being capacitated and managerial positions being reduced.