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NEW BROOM: Mangwashi Phiyega

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Zuma made the announcement in Pretoria yesterday, after days of uncertainly over Cele's fate.

Cele was suspended in October last year. He is the second police chief to be fired by Zuma. His predecessor, Jackie Selebi, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for corruption in 2010.

Cele is expected to hold a press briefing to respond to his axing, following damning findings by a board of inquiry which was chaired by Judge Jake Moloi, which led to him losing his job.

Zuma said: "General Cele was appointed as national commissioner in August 2009. He was given a clear brief to take the war to the criminals.

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to General Cele for the unquestionable commitment to his work as national commissioner.

"Leading from the front, he brought much-needed passion, energy, expertise and focus that boosted the morale of the police, leading to improved productivity and a visible reduction in crime levels."

His successor, Phiyega, is a highly regarded professional with a good reputation among her peers.

She is currently the chairwoman of the presidential review committee on state-owned enterprises and a director at Tsa Rona Investment company.

Zuma sang her praises as a capable person to deal with problems within the South African Police Service.

Zuma said he was "disappointed at the spectacle in which police officers jeopardise state security by placing it in the public domain".

He was referring to former intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, who is fighting for his reinstatement in court.

In ensuring a smooth transition, Phiyega would have to work with Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to cement loopholes, even in the SAPS' financial systems.

Zuma suspended Cele last year after a report by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela revealed there was misconduct in the awarding of two leases for police office space.

-nhlabathih@sowetan.co.za

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Sun May 19 04:01:59 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 13, 2012

PleaseGetReal1

Amazing the extensive experience she have in, ,,,, uh ,, , uh,,, no police work.

EEEHHHHH, I have applied my mind zuma said,, no mind in good thinking would appoint someone in a post like this with no excessive experience.

WOW
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Jun 13, 2012

Pointman

We will know the real reason for her appointment when she see how she handles Mdluli. Will she lift his suspension or send him packing. We must give her a chance to see how she performs. Since she has no police experience, she will have to surround herself with managers with real talent and not be saddled with cadres.
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Jun 13, 2012

ApelMankotsana

@Pointman....Indeed. We will know the reason of her appointment in the manner she is going to handle the Mdluli saga...But i am personally not convinced of her appointment due to excessive lack of experience in the police industry. This means she will on a day to day seek advises from the general loyal to Mdluli and others.
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Jun 13, 2012

Les4uu

Another cadre deployment............... WTF

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was the best man for the top job as he showed some quality leadership in trying times.
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Jun 13, 2012

Vhamsanda

Mr President ...!! I rest my case.
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Jun 13, 2012

siphomag

I'm so Pissed off with the President of South Africa, he is really a dictator Malema was right, This woman knows nothing about Force, yet he is giving that position, I can see, Zuma is putting all these peoples who will listen to him in whatever he is ask anytime, anywhere, you will be even suprise that he screw this woman, so it's pay back time for him. Spear Head..............MXM
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Jun 13, 2012

JB$

Maybe she's Zuma's next wife
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Jun 13, 2012

truthhurt

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to General Cele for the unquestionable commitment to his work as national commissioner.

"Leading from the front, he brought much-needed passion, energy, expertise and focus that boosted the morale of the police, leading to improved productivity and a visible reduction in crime levels."

==========================================================================Now why would Zuma tell lies like these? We all know the true, My Gran used to say," If you dont have anything true or positive thing to say rather shut-up.
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Jun 13, 2012

tpaz

Hopefully she has the verve of Thuli....

I believe a police commissioner should come from the structures. yes, minister you can appoint.....but this is like CEO of police.
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Jun 13, 2012

Calvin66

Welcome Mama but Cele yena will be missed.
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