South Africa’s newly appointed national commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla John Sitole, was on Monday officially handed the sword of command in Pretoria by Police Minister Fikile Mbalula.
“The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma delegated this distinguished honour to me, to stand before you on his behalf and on behalf of government and people of the Republic of South Africa, to officially bestow the powers of the national commissioner of the South African Police Service on General Khehla John Sitole,” Mbalula said as he addressed numerous guests at the SAPS Tshwane training academy.
“This ceremony represents the formal handing over of power and authority in the upholding of the Constitution and the execution of the safety and security constitutional mandate of the Republic of South Africa. The handing over of the sword symbolizes righteousness and justice. It further symbolizes the expected efforts of the police to render a fair and non-partisan, apolitical service to the community.”
Mbalula said the sword handed to Sitole obliges the career policeman to serve his country with loyalty, courage, dignity and honour, to execute duties and responsibilities with zeal and diligence, setting a good example to those placed under his command.
The police minister said Zuma had expressed deep confidence in Sitole’s capabilities in leading the thousands of men and women in the SAPS.
“The President has conveyed to me that I must reiterate that he had no doubt in his mind when he took the decision of appointing General Sitole to lead the men and women in blue. The President has also asked me to use this opportunity to encourage the leadership of the South African Police Service, rank and file, to give their full cooperation and support to General Sitole to ensure that the strategic objectives of the SAPS are achieved,” said Mbalula.
“I urge all SAPS members and Public Service Act personnel in our environment to rally behind the leadership, which ultimately strengthens the image of the SAPS and enhances cohesion in the organization holistically while boosting service delivery.”
Last week, Zuma announced that he had appointed Sitole as the new national police commissioner – a position which was being held by Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba, albeit in an acting capacity.
Sitole, who was the Divisional Commissioner for Protection and Security Services, was appointed with immediate effect.
Mothiba had replaced acting commissioner Lieutenant-General Kgomotso Phahlane earlier this year. Sitole is the national first police commissioner to be appointed permanently since Riah Phiyega was suspended in 2015.
– African News Agency (ANA)
