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Mangwashi 'Riah' Phiyega is our new police chief

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“I’ve never been a police officer, but I want to say that you don’t need to be a drunkard to own a bottle store,” Phiyega told reporters in Pretoria.

“I can learn... Judge me in 12 months time on whether I have a poor learning capacity.” 

Phiyega acknowledged she did not have all the tools necessary for the job, but said she brought a wealth of other experiences.

“No one is ever complete, but we all have something to give and I believe I have something to give.” 

Asked how she felt about a police union saying it was an insult that a civilian was appointed as a police commissioner, Phiyega said she was not qualified to deal with that.

However, she added: “I’m prepared to work with anyone who will accept me”. 

Phiyega was appointed by President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday, when he axed her predecessor Bheki Cele.

On Wednesday, Cele advised Phiyega to work with police officers who were out in the field every day, and not just the high-ranking officials.

“Work with the generals, but make sure you work most with your foot soldiers,” he said.

“Take care of the foot soldiers — they are the people fighting crime.” 

Phiyega said she heard Cele’s message clearly knowing that this was what made him successful.

“We shall reach out,” she said.

Phiyega said she acknowledged the overwhelming task she faced.

“In order to succeed, I acknowledge that it is necessary to consult, listen and learn.” 

This would be complemented by leading and acting decisively, she said.

Over the next three months she would hold discussions with many police officers.

“We will be working towards a paradigm shift in the police. The training and development of our members will remain a priority... Strengthening the administrative leg will also be top on the agenda,” she said.

Improving internal and external relations in the interest of service delivery, and taking a decisive position on corruption, was also a priority.

Phiyega said she would meet police senior management on Friday, but would not give details on the strategies going forward.

“I am looking forward to wearing the blue uniform, taking my oath and getting involved with the business of policing.” 

Phiyega is the first woman national police commissioner in the 99 years of the SA police’s history. - Sapa

Comments

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Wed Jun 19 10:40:36 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 14, 2012

Punkies

She better learn fast, our police force is in a mess. Assignment 1: Sort out Richard Mdhluli's saga and the police lease deal messed up by Bheki.
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Jun 14, 2012

malemaforpresident

defending mechanism
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Jun 14, 2012

CheeseBoy

I will not judge her until I see for myself what she is made of. I hear lots of good things about her as a business woman. I do wish her luck coz she has a lot of cleaning up to do.
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Jun 14, 2012

GettoSniper

i am sure the uniform will suit you very well mam......with short hair.....you gonna kick some butt.....Commisioner Xena..................awuuuuuu
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Jun 14, 2012

MommaC

I seriously don't envy this woman's job. She faces a daunting task and she may not be a drunkard now but she may well become one once she realises just how big a headache she has inherited.
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Jun 14, 2012

iPhone4

Pls don't start putting weaves with the taxpayers money uright nge S curl and cut nenjibs need to grow back
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Jun 14, 2012

tmotaung713

She has no hair on the sides,A thomile mathata kwaakwaaakwaaa
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Jun 14, 2012

cornelius

You don't have to be a drunkard to run a bottle store, but you have to be a good manager - poor choice of words - but anyway, good luck to the new commisioner, we need an efficient an honest top cop very badly.
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Jun 14, 2012

Msiphos00

First we need to get the police women officers the right fitting pants not these tight pants they wear cos some of them yerrrrrrrrrr the very fat a**s in those pants is a nnoonnnooonnoooo
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Jun 14, 2012

Galfrend

All the best to her, show them how its done. Only a woman can do the job better -

I like your short hair ,but must you shave completley on the sidess?
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