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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape remains deeply concerned by the delay in the appointment of a Provincial Police Commissioner despite previous commitments from the Premier that engagements were taking place in an effort to speed up the process.

While former Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen Risimati Shivuri, retired almost two years ago, the South African Police Service (SAPS) still finds itself leaderless. The position has since been filled by various acting appointments, the most recent of whom was Lt Gen Joey Kers who has now also retired.

Our concern is based on government’s failure to abide by Section 207(3) of the Constitution that states that the National Commissioner, with the concurrence of the provincial executive, must appoint a woman or a man as the provincial commissioner for that province. This empty seat means there is nobody to report on the current state of SAPS in the province. This affects legislative oversight.

The question remains as to when this position will be filled.

SAPS is battling to ensure the safety of our communities. Gender-based violence and femicide continue to rise and families are no longer safe in their own homes. Cases of housebreakings and theft of critical infrastructure, such as copper cables that are key to electricity supply, are also increasing.

Without a provincial commissioner to lead the sector, our police service will remain compromised by a lack of resources that leaves SAPS officials outnumbered and unprotected.

I have written a letter to the newly appointed National Police Commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola, to ascertain when the appointment will be made (see letter here). I had also hoped to pose a follow-up question to the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, yesterday, during the scheduled question time session. He is unfortunately out of the country, while acting Premier, Fufe Makatong, was also absent from the sitting.

The DA will not let the ANC government’s tardiness stop us from asking difficult questions. While I continue to pursue this matter, I will also ask my counterparts in Parliament to address this critical vacancy directly with the Minister of Police.

The residents of this province deserve a stable police service that contributes to their security, not one that is detrimental to their safety.

Issued by DA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Transport, Safety & Liaison, Ofentse Mokae, MPL