Public Protector to Investigate Political Interference
11 November 2019
The MEC of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, welcomes the decision by the Office of Public Protector to investigate alleged political interference in the appointment of a Provincial Police Commissioner in the Western Cape. Please see letter attached.
On 31 October 2019, MEC Fritz delivered an affidavit to the Office of the Public Protector. This followed SAPS’ announcement on 28 October 2019, that the position of the Provincial Commissioner will not be filled but will in fact be re-advertised. Minister Fritz previously condemned this as it points to top-level ANC interference in the management of SAPS and government recruitment processes.
MEC Fritz said, “On Friday, 8 November 2019, I received confirmation that the matter would be investigated by the National Office in Pretoria. I am pleased that this matter will be prioritised with the seriousness it deserves. I will immediately follow up with the National Office to clarify who will be responsible for this investigation and request a regular update on the investigation. I hope that this process provides clear direction on addressing political interference in government recruitment processes.”
MEC Fritz said, “According to Section 207 (3) of the Constitution of South Africa, ‘The National Commissioner, with the concurrence of the provincial executive, must appoint a woman or a man as the provincial commissioner for that province, but if the National Commissioner and the provincial executive are unable to agree on the appointment, the Cabinet member responsible for policing must mediate between the parties.’ It is on this basis that I have made my complaint.”