Questions raised over top cop job advert
QUESTIONS have been raised over the intention to advertise Lieutenant-General Peter Jacobs's job from which he was ousted, while he contests labour action instituted against him.
The former Crime Intelligence boss, who now heads the police's inspectorate division, may be without a job next month, after the SAPS at the weekend put out a national level advert for a Commissioner for Crime Intelligence.
Jacobs was last year suspended as crime intelligence head for three months, and in March this year was told by National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole to return to work at the inspectorate, in what is believed to be an effective demotion.
It came as he and five colleagues faced allegations of personal protective equipment procurement irregularities within the Crime Intelligence division.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo yesterday confirmed the advert, saying: “The post of Divisional Commissioner: Crime Intelligence has indeed been advertised as this post will become vacant on 1 October 2021. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for this post. A stringent selection process will be conducted and the most suitable candidate will be chosen.”
Jacobs declined to comment yesterday, with union Popcru only confirming the post was advertised.
The top cop had approached the Labour Court in Johannesburg in February, challenging the disciplinary hearing against him over the procurement irregularities.
Jacobs is also expected at a Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) in October regarding allegations made against him relating to an alleged failure to act on a warning that underworld suspects illegally tracked Anti-Gang Unit detective Charl Kinnear's phone two weeks before he was murdered in September last year.
Jacobs has argued that he was on leave when he received the warning and could not therefore not be held responsible.
Anti-corruption activist Colin Arendse yesterday questioned: “If General Peter Jacobs is still contesting the unfair labour practices instituted against him by the National Police Commissioner, why is SAPS advertising his post of Divisional Commissioner: Crime Intelligence?
“One has to question the competence of General Sitole who continually operates as if he is above the law. Following Minister Cele's submission five months ago, President Ramaphosa is therefore obliged to invoke s8(1) of the Police Service Act by suspending Sitole prior to a Board of Inquiry hearing into his fitness to still hold office.”