President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Divisional Commissioner of Financial Management Services of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, as Acting National Police Commissioner.
National Police Commissioner General Fanny Masemola was placed on precautionary suspension after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court charged with breaching the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Read | Police Commissioner General Masemola suspended as a precautionary measure
The President described Dimpen as having a “long and distinguished career in the SAPS and other public institutions” serving almost two decades.
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“[He has]extensive experience in policing, strategic management, financial management and governance. Lieutenant-General Dimpen has a reputation for professionalism and integrity.
“I am confident that he has the qualities and capabilities required to provide effective leadership to the SAPS during this challenging period,” President Ramaphosa told a media briefing on Thursday.
The acting commissioner will be supported by “a strong team of experienced and dedicated police leadership across the country”.
“She will lead a police service that, despite substantial challenges, is comprised of men and women who are committed to serving the people of this country and to justice.
“A key area of focus for the Acting National Commissioner and the police leadership is to urgently address the vulnerabilities in the procurement of goods and services.
“In the Zondo Commission report and through the proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, procurement has been identified as a source of corruption, abuse of position and instability within the police service,” the president said.
In addition, Acting Police Minister Cachalia will support the work that SAPS leadership will do to “protect procurement processes from any form of manipulation”.
“This work will lead to the comprehensive restructuring of public procurement that was announced in the SONA (State of the Nation Address).
“The Acting National Commissioner will be expected to maintain the momentum of our national fight against crime and corruption,” he said.
seeds of progress
President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the successes achieved by the police in tackling crime, including:
Contact crime has declined in the last two financial years, mainly due to the focus on police visibility.
· Focused initiatives to address gender-based violence and femicide.
· The implementation of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remains central to South Africa's ongoing fight against the scourge of violent crime.
· Progress made by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster towards adopting the Organized Crime Strategy.
“Significant actions have been taken in relation to organized crime, including gang violence, illegal firearms, illegal mining, drug trafficking and kidnapping. These efforts have been strengthened by cooperation between the SAPS and the South African National Defense Force.
The President said, “The SAPS task team investigating cases arising from the Madlanga Commission has made significant progress, leading to a number of arrests. We commend the team and wish it continued success.”
He acknowledged that the task of rebuilding law enforcement agencies and security services “will be a difficult task”.
“We have been guided at all times by the need for transparency, accountability and respect for due legal process.
President Ramaphosa concluded, “I wish Lieutenant-General Dimpen and the entire SAPS leadership all the best in building on the progress made in our fight against crime.”