SA’s top cop post poisoned chalice

How many national police commissioners have we had since the dawn of our democracy?

And how many didn’t finish their terms? I’m fast losing count. We are changing police commissioners as if we are changing underwear. This is cause for concern.

A few days ago, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula appointed a new acting police commissioner. This was after former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane was asked to motivate why he should not be suspended.

Suspended police commissioner Riya Phiyega is fighting tooth and nail to save her job. However, it is public knowledge that Phiyega is fighting a losing battle. The commission of inquiry on the Marikana massacre found her unfit to hold office.

The problem started when the ANC deployed politicians to be police commissioners. The deployees have messed up the position with their corruption scandals. They have also allowed politicians to use the police to fight their political battles.

Criminals are currently having a field day in South Africa. They do as they please. Crime is fast becoming a way of life. Can we afford to live in a country where criminals commit crime with impunity? We are not raising a nation of criminals, or are we?

As if that is not enough, there are also criminals who masquerade as police officers. These individuals are in the police force to push their criminal agendas. They either commit crime or protect criminals. As a result, they compromise our security.

It goes without saying that the national police commissioner position needs to be occupied by a competent and strategic person. The security of the country rests on the shoulders of the police commissioner, a huge responsibility indeed. The nation needs to feel safe and secured.

The national police commissioner position has become a poisoned chalice.

Thabile Mange, e-mail