• Tweet

SHOOTING FROM THE HIP: New police chief Mangwashi Phiyega at her introduction to the press at the Police Academy in Pretoria. With her is acting police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. PHOTO: TSHEKO KABASIA

RELATED ARTICLES

• Cops have bad rep
• Cops bust robbers posing as police
• CARTOON: Can new police chief resuscitate the SAPS?
• New top cop 'willing to learn'
• 'Slush fund abuse' to be probed
• 'Forgive me', says killer cop
• Officials in State vehicles rake up R423,000 in traffic fines

YOU do not need to be a drunkard to own a bottle store.

This is the philosophical take of new national police commissioner General Mangwashi Phiyega on the widely circulated criticism of her lack of policing experience.

Phiyega said South Africans should judge her on her work in 12 months' time. She said she would be spending the next three to four months familiarising herself with the ins and outs of the police service, and only then will she be able to give details of her strategies to combat crime.

She said corruption was a general problem in the country and not just the police.

"What I appreciate is that it (corruption within the police service) is on our radar. I will share with you in about three months how we have dealt with and (are) dealing with corruption. Allow us to take some 'Phuza Mandla' (a nutrition and energy formula) and some energy drink," Phiyega said.

She said she was politically appointed and that there was no problem with politicians being involved in her work.

"We have to make a distinction. Are we confused with political involvement or political interference. We must debate this."

She said though she might not have the tools, weapons and skills that career officers had, she had however brought with her a lot of experience.

"I bring a positive not a negative. I believe that I have something to bring (to the force)."

Coming to her defence, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa said even when General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a very experienced career officer, was appointed there were detractors who said he was not good enough for the job.

Phiyega refused to answer operational questions or questions about the public spats between senior officers, saying she had not even stepped into her new office and some of the matters were before the courts.

"I hardly have 48 hours since the president announced my appointment," Phiyega said.

She said she would take former commissioner Bheki Cele's advice and partner with the "foot soldiers" and work on improving their morals and rebuilding public confidence in the police.

"We will build on the momentum created by the previous leadership. I am taking on a heavy baton, but we will run with it," she said.

Phiyega said she would instil an ethos of ISE (Integrity, Service to others before self and Excellence).

She would not pronounce on Mkhwanazi's future, saying she did not even know where his office was . - moengk@sowetan.co.za

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Tue Jun 18 08:32:20 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 15, 2012

DjEp

Madam o tlo Phyega mo SAPS. you will lose the remainig hair, what kind of a reasoning is ".. You dont need to be a drunkard to own a tarven..." Did you do comparison at school? clearly you were not in that class, DONT COMPARE APPLES AND ORANGES. you must COMPARE BANANAS AND BANANAS.
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

DjEp

Your opening address is way out and clearly you are clueless on what is going on, you may have loads of qualifications in Sociology, money-Ology, corrupt-Ology, but we need a wise leader. Mark my words judging by your opening statements you will be removed in no time..
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

ApelMankotsana

I was listening to her on morning live this morning and i must say that i am NOT impressed. I am not imoressed at all. With her at the helm of the police, i see contact and violent crime rate escalating and police loosing the confidence and bravery instilled by Bheki Cele.
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

DjEp

@ApelMankotsana,
True my brother, this is more politicaly than morally correct. Cele was as corrupt as them all but at least we saw crime rates going down. This woman is put there merely to push corruption in govenment. our crime stats will rise within the next month.
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

PDreamz

Well Madam you talk the talk and now its time to walk the talk truth is SA have given the so called experienced corrupt thieves chances over and over again and they failed the system. True you do not have the experience but you have the courage and the will so prove them critics wrong and if you fck up you wouldnt be the first one. Most wont be supporting you cause you're a woman but I have faith in you clean that department mama
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

tpaz

YOU do not need to be a drunkard to own a bottle store- but a Bottle Store encourages drunkenness and immorality.

She needs a stylist.....that green dress was too heavy. Ask Thuli or the Premier they dress well....

I wish you all the best though.
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

Ann

look i dont hav anything against her ,i just dont see her as the right candidate for the job, no qualities at all
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

Makhosini0408

"I do not want to be a judge." Good luck Madam
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

imthegreatest

controvacial!
Report Abuse

Jun 15, 2012

JB$

We don't need a police officer we need a good manager period.
Report Abuse

Read all 34 comments