The minister of police has welcomed the appointment of the new national commissioner Lieutenant-General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of one of the experienced members of the police service into the top police position on Thursday.

“We must commend president Ramaphosa for acting with agility in making the appointment and not allowing a vacuum to exist in this office, which is critical in the leadership and the mobilisation of all personnel and resources responsible for the safety and security of our country,” Police Minister Bheki Cele said.

According to the ministry of police, the department had received the announcement of the appointment of Masemola with much enthusiasm and optimism.

The ministry was hopeful that the appointment, which marks a new chapter in the life of the SAPS, would further strengthen the existing efforts within the police service to safeguard South Africans and all those who live within country’s boarders along with their property, Cele said.

The ministry revealed that Masemola was no stranger to the functioning of the police both at an administrative and operational level.

“He served as the deputy national commissioner responsible for policing since April 2016.”

“The ministry will continue to lend support to the office of the national commissioner, as it charts the course of action which we are sure will build on the restoration of the morale and unity within the organisation.

“We are optimistic that this shift in the SAPS top management, will not derail the efforts in place to build on an efficient and trustworthy police service that is accessible to all our people and is unapologetic about preventing, combating and investigating crime, maintain public order and uphold and enforce the law.”

The newly appointed commissioner began leading the men and women on Friday, April 1.