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The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomes the appointment of General KJ Sitole as our new National Police Commissioner. It is good that he comes from inside the ranks of the South African Police Services (SAPS).

This means that he is a career professional and would therefore have a sound understanding of the challenges that face our police personnel; unlike his predecessors who were just parachuted in.

Commissioner Sitole should be keenly aware that South Africa is in turmoil where safety and security, and civil disobedience, are concerned. The country has become a playground for thugs, hijackers, thieves, rapists, murderers and drug dealers.

To compound the situation, police brutality, as well as inefficient service, bungling administration and corruptible personnel, have resulted in a loss of confidence in SAPS. This is must to stop. The law-abiding citizens must feel safe in their homes and when walking on the streets in our towns and villages.

The country expects him to make a tangible difference in SAPS and we urge him to guard against becoming a puppet of those who might be pushing political agendas. Commissioner 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.

We ask that Commissioner Sitole should come up with practical strategies to permanently curb continued crime that is holding our beautiful country, and her people, at ransom.

The UDM hopes that Commissioner 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.

Issued by UDM