Sehlahle Fannie Masemola announced as new national police commissioner
The Presidency said Masemola's appointment as police commissioner will ensure continuity in the most senior position in the police service following Khehla Sitole’s departure from office.
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Thursday announced Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the new national police commissioner of the country.
The Presidency said Masemola appointment as police commissioner will ensure continuity in the most senior position in the police service following Khehla’s Sitole’s departure from office.
“General Masemola has been a deputy police commissioner with an outstanding record of achievements and policing across South Africa, this includes with helping with the de-escalation of violence in KwaZulu-Natal after our first democratic elections where he was stationed. General Masemola also brings to this position his experience in drastic reducing of cash-in-transit heists in the period around 2016,” Ramaphosa said.
Sitole agreed to the early termination of his contract with the president last month.
The president said Masemola said he was up to the task to lead the country’s police force.
General Masemola has been a Deputy Police Commissioner with an outstanding record of achievements in policing across South Africa. This includes helping with the de-escalation of violence in KwaZulu-Natal after our first democratic elections in 1994.https://t.co/UIOU3o4et7
Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 31, 2022
Tonight I call on all South Africans to also offer our support to our new National Commissioner as he assumes his duties, because we can only eradicate crime if we work together.https://t.co/fkKmf1cjTd
Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 31, 2022
'HIGHLY EXPERIENCED'
Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies said general Masemola comes with years of experience within the police force.
“He is a real operational police officer who came through the ranks, served in so many positions throughout the country. He is also highly experienced.”
South African Police Union spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said this was an excellent appointment.
“He is a career cop; he has been a deputy national commissioner for a long time. So, we really appreciate him and give him our full support.”
Masemola's appointment comes after the early departure of Kehla's Sitole from the position.
