The United Democratic Movement (UDM) on Thursday welcomed the appointment of Khehla Sitole as National Police Commissioner.

President Jacob Zuma appointed Sitole on Wednesday, with immediate effect.

“His extensive experience in the police service will assist him to execute this critical task of making South Africans and everyone in the country safer and to feel safer,” said Zuma.

The UDM said it was good that Sitole came from inside the ranks of the South African Police Services (Saps), as it meant that he was a career professional and would therefore have a sound understanding of the challenges that faced police personnel; “unlike his predecessors who were just parachuted in”.

UDM secretary general Bongani Msomi said Sitole should be keenly aware that South Africa was in turmoil where safety and security and civil disobedience were concerned.

“The country has become a playground for thugs, hijackers, thieves, rapists, murderers and drug dealers,” added Msomi.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate and Parliament's police portfolio committee have also expressed confidence on Sitole’s appointment.

The UDM said the country expected Sitole to make a tangible difference in Saps and urged him to guard against becoming a puppet of those who might be pushing political agendas.

“Sitole and his team must only serve in the name of restoring order, safety and security in our communities. He must be firm in executing his duties and he must not tolerate corrupt police officers who collude with criminals and/or succumb to bribery and/or extortion,” Msomi added.

The UDM said Sitole should come up with practical strategies to permanently curb continued crime.

“We hope that Sitole will, as soon as possible, set the ball in motion to restore the dignity and image of the police services and we wish him good luck. We will be watching his progress to see what positive, sustainable changes he brings about at Saps,” concluded Msomi.

Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Francois Beukman said in a statement that Sitole’s appointment was a positive step in ensuring stability and clear leadership in the Saps, which would add impetus to the fight against crime.

“Of major importance to the committee is the appointment of a career policeman with extensive experience necessary to improve cohesion and morale necessary for the fight against crime,” stated Beukman.

Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) was less enthused with Sitole’s appointment.

DA Shadow Minister of Police Zakhele Mbhele said the party welcomed that the Saps finally had stable leadership in the form of a permanent National Police Commissioner, but added that the DA did not believe that Sitole was the best candidate to turn the Saps around into a professional and effective police service to tackle and reduce crime.

“The DA will therefore submit parliamentary questions to Zuma in order for him to reveal the names of the other shortlisted candidates and their qualifications so that we can ascertain whether the best possible candidate was appointed,” said Mbhele.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has also praise Sitole’s appointment, with the party’s national spokesperson on Police Inkosi EM Buthelezi saying the IFP had long been calling for the appointment of a career police officer to this important national portfolio.

“Sitole brings with him a wealth of experience which will augur well for the position and for the Saps in general,” stated Buthelezi.