The national police commissioner’s job is either jinxed or is a poisoned chalice.
National police commissioners don’t last in their job. The former commissioners, the late Jackie Selebi and Bheki Cele, both didn’t finish their terms.
Interestingly, the current incumbent’s future hangs in the balance.
The president has established a commission of enquiry to determine Riah Phiyega’s fitness to hold office. Quite frankly, Phiyega is toast. The commission of enquiry mentioned above is just a mere formality. If I were her, I would resign to salvage the little dignity I have left.
The national police commissioner’s fate was decided a while back. In fact, it was decided after the Marikana massacre. She’s still there because she’s putting up a spirited fight. But she’s fighting a losing battle. And she knows it.
The crime statistics released recently reflects badly on her leadership. The men and women in blue are not winning the fight against crime on the street. And things are not getting better.
Additionally, criminals also are targeting and killing police like flies.
The nation doesn’t feel safe in her hands.
Lack of police experience has worked against her.
Her management style also doesn’t match the position she’s occupying.
The national police commissioner job wants a streetwise person. Though stubborn, she’s too soft and nice for my liking. She’s misplaced. When she became the national commissioner, she landed in a hostile environment.
Capable career policemen and women were eyeing the top job. They are tired of being led by people who have no police background and experience. So they were disgruntled.
In all fairness, there is nothing left for Phiyega to fight for. Even if there was something to fight for, she wouldn’t win, because she is a political lightweight. She has been isolated and side-lined. And no one is in her corner.
The honourable thing for her to do is to resign.
