KIMBERLEY – The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fanie Masemola handed over the Sword of Command to the newly appointed Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre (Amphitheatre) in Kimberley.

In taking the sword, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola, Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape solemly swore to serve the province with loyalty, courage, dignity and honour.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners as well as external stakeholders, senior SAPS members and men and women in blue.

General Masemola commended, Lt Gen Otola for being the 5th female provincial commissioner currently serving the nine provinces in our country.

Gen Masemola also reiterated that he has confidence in Lt Gen Otola and expects her to fight crime with the necessary vigour, zeal and diligence. Gen Masemola also indicated that Lt Gen Otola should always remember to put the people first and utilize human and physical resources optimally.

The Sword of Command relays the formal hand over of authority to Lt Gen Otola to ensure the SAPS in the Northern Cape upholds the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and hereby she takes on the responsibility of the safety and security of all citizens in the province.

Source: South African Police Service