IFP WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF ADVOCATE HEATH AS HEAD OF SIU

The IFP has welcomed President Jacob Zuma's decision to appoint Advocate Willem Heath as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with immediate effect.

"The IFP believes that Adv Heath is the right man for the job. The success of the Heath Commission confirmed Adv Heath's credentials as a man with invaluable leadership skills and expertise. His appointment will most certainly go a long way in bolstering South Africa's fight against rampant crime and corruption," said Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP's spokesperson on police.

Ndlovu paid tribute to outgoing SIU head Mr Willie Hofmeyr. "Mr Willie Hofmeyr has been an exemplary crime fighter and leader in his role as the head of the SIU and of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU). However, being responsible for both of these demanding units was never sustainable in the long term," said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu wished Heath and Hofmeyr well. "With two crime-fighting gurus now at the helm of two of our most important crime-fighting units, the IFP is confident that the SIU and the AFU will achieve even greater success, and make an even greater contribution to our fight against crime. As the IFP, we believe that it is of utmost importance that we continuously strive to strengthen our crime fighting capacity," added Ndlovu.

Statement issued by Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP, Inkatha Freedom Party spokesperson on police, November 29 2011

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