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 a cause for concern.
A few days ago, the Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula appointed a new Acting Police Commissioner. This was after the former Acting Police Commissioner, Kgomotso Phahlane, was asked to motivate why he shouldn’t be suspended. What’s new?
The current Police Commissioner, Riya Phiyega, is fighting tooth and nail to save her job. However, it is public knowledge that she is fighting a losing battle. The Commission of Enquiry into the Marikana Massacre has found her to be unfit to hold office.
The problem started when the governing party 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. This has had unintended consequences.
Currently, in South Africa, criminals are having a field day. They are running amok and do as they please. So 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 agenda: 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 an able, competent and strategic person. The security of the country rests on the shoulders of the Police Commissioner, which is a huge responsibility. And the nation needs to feel safe and secure in his or her hands.
The National Police Commissioner position has become a poisoned chalice. This is because people who are appointed to the position are pliable or pawns in the political chess game. When the heat hits the fan, the Commissioner is thrown under the bus.
The government should stop playing games and appoint the right person for the job. The security of citizens is paramount in any country. The same applies here. So our government must be seen to be taking the nation’s security seriously.
