KwaZulu-Natal officer’s mixed reactions on Cele dismissal

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Dismissal of national police commissioner Bheki Cele has invited mixed views from KwaZulu-Natal police officers as some saying that the news of commissioner’s departure is disturbing while others viewing contrary remarks that the former police commissioner would not be missed. Cele served as the community safety and liaison MEC and was actively involved in fighting against crime in the province. He was observed as close to officers in KZN and had built strong relationships with them.

In an interview, officers spoke regarding their feelings on appointment of new commissioner Riah Phiyega. Officers were strictly restricted to talk to media and on condition of anonymity; they agreed and shared their view that they were disappointed on the decision of allotment of commissioner position to Phiyega. A senior police officer at Durban Police station has termed Cele as a “good leader” who held a respectable reputation among all police ranks.

One of the police officers said, “He led by example in terms of fighting crime and he understood the problems that police officers faced. He talked tough and he wanted to get the job done.”

The officer expressed concern that Phiyega would have to show her skills and prove herself. Another officer had said officers’ morale was only high due to Cele. He said, “He would come here and go on raids with officers. He also was very concerned when officers died. Despite his faults, he was well liked.”

However, another officer in an interview said they had accepted the departure of Cele and now they hoped that a competent and career woman took the top post.

“We wanted a capable police officer to take over, someone who understands the work we do. This is another outsider coming in.”

The SA Police Union’s general secretary Oscar Skommere also noted that it is an inappropriate decision to appoint a civilian to the post as it was an insult to other officers.

“The continued imposition of others in the top SAPS office is not only an insult to deserving officers, it also demoralizes them.”

But Skommere showed optimism and said that union would respect Phiyega’s appointment and work competitively with her.

“We also want to state that, as professionals, we are willing to work with whoever is in that office, including the new national police commissioner.”