Zuma appoints new police commisioner
Minister wants swift response from former acting top cop Phahlane
FORMER acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, has to explain to Police Minister Fikile Mbalula why he should not be suspended as forensic services divisional commissioner – with immediate effect.
Mbalula announced in Cape Town yesterday that President Jacob Zuma had “relieved” Phahlane of his duties as acting national commissioner of SAPS, and appointed Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba as the new acting top cop.
“It is clear to me that the initial reasoning over Lieutenant-General Phahlane’s undesirableness of staying as acting national police commissioner equally arises in his original role (position of forensic services divisional commissioner),” Mbalula told a media briefing.
“Accordingly, Lieutenant-General Phahlane has been requested by myself to furnish me with cogent and reasonable reasons why I should not suspend him from his position as forensic services divisional commissioner with immediate effect.”
Mbalula said that damning allegations against Phahlane had been his downfall.
“I am duty bound to make it clear that Lieutenant-General Phahlane has a right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The allegations levelled are yet to be tested in a court of law,” he said.
“It is also evident from the public statements from Ipid (the Independent Police Investigative Directorate), an institution this government holds in serious esteem for its importance for our democracy and protection of citizens’ human rights, that there will be continuing legal processes between Ipid and Lieutenant-General Phahlane in courts.
“There clearly are accepted perception discomforts with regards to a perceived interference risk, which leads itself to a potential national security risk should Ipid be impeded in doing their constitutional duty lawfully by anyone.
“It is my belief that Lieutenant-General Phahlane and the rule of law would be better served if the lieutenant-general is afforded adequate time and personal freedom to focus on these personal allegations against him without the added burdens of the office of the acting national police commissioner.
“We wish to thank the president for his wisdom and decisive action in this regard. There are clearly serious allegations of misconduct on the part of Lieutenant-General Phahlane which also impacts on his fitness to hold office.
“The allegations against Lieutenant-General Phahlane raise questions of conduct that would be inconsistent with expectations that attend those who hold leadership in our police service.” – ANA