National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sithole officially handed over the Sword of Command to Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene during a ceremony that was held in Bhisho SAPS Academy yesterday.

The Handing Over of the Sword of Command Ceremony started in the morning, with the National Commissioner, General Kehla Sithole and MEC for Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape, Mrs Tikana-Gxothiwe inspecting the parade.  In what was of significance during the proceedings, was the moment when the former Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga returned the command and authority that was bestowed to be in charge of the Eastern Cape, back to the National Commissioner, General Sithole after completing her term of office, and is now the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.

The momentous and turning point during the ceremony was when the National Commissioner, General Sithole was handing over the command and authority of the province to the newly appointed Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mene, in a symbolic gesture of a sword, which is the culture in the South African Police Service.  Lt General Mene during her acknowledgement speech, “As the recipient of the Sword of Command in the Eastern Cape, I am alive to the enormous responsibility lying ahead of me.  The task of serving my country with loyalty, bravery, pride and utmost respect constitute one of my top priorities”

MEC for Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape, Mrs Tikana-Gxothiwe also delivered an address during the ceremony that was also attended by other senior government officials and senior managers from SAPS Head Office and other provinces.

The handing over ceremony was followed by the medal parade, when 24 police members throughout the province, received medals to honour them for their loyal, faithful and long service in the South African Police Service. The medal recipients were for 30 and 40 years of loyal service.

The day concluded with a gala dinner event, which was hosted at the International Convention Centre in East London, to bid farewell to Lieutenant General Ntshinga and simultaneously welcoming Lieutenant General Mene.

Source: South African Police Service