CONVICTED former police boss Jackie Selebi "is responsible for the mess" in which the country's police force finds itself, Institute for Security Studies expert Johan Burger said at the University of KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.

"The country's police force is in a shambles. You have a former (police) commissioner who is serving time in jail ... and another (Bheki Cele) who is suspended," Burger said.

"What does that tell you? A judicial commission of inquiry must be established to investigate managerial and structural problems within the police force if the country wants to reduce crime levels."

However, Burger commended Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa for being dedicated to his job.

“He is a highly dedicated minister, he tries very hard.”

Burger also said he was happy that visible policing had improved in South Africa.

“I believe that police visibility has made a huge impact in house-related crimes. I am happy that we are improving.” 

Visibility had improved in Gauteng and there was a need for the police to be visible countrywide, Burger said.

Although arrest rates were high, conviction rates were low mainly because there was a problem in the investigation of cases.