The Ministry of Police has received the announcement of the appointment of Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the country’s new National Commissioner, with much enthusiasm and optimism.

The Ministry is hopeful this appointment, which marks a new chapter in the life of the South African Police Service, will further strengthen the existing efforts within the police service to safeguard South Africans and all those who live within our boarders along with their property.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele together with his Deputy, Cassel Mathale have congratulated the incoming National Commissioner who will lead the men and women in blue from the start of April.

“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.”

No stranger to the functioning of the SAPS both on an administrative and operational level, the Police Ministry is confident Lt General Masemola, who served as the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing since April 2016, will hit the ground running in pursuing the overall vision of the organisation and take it to new heights.

“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.” - Cele concluded.

Source: South African Police Service