Zuma appoints first female National Police Commissioner

Phiyega, who was serving as the Chairperson of the Presidential Review Committee on State Owned Enterprises and Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, has already undergone the vetting process.

She also chaired the Road Traffic Management Corporation Task Team.

"It is my pleasure to announce the new National Police Commissioner today, who takes office with immediate effect.

"Phiyega brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive who understands the responsibility of government in the fight against crime and the duties imposed in dealing with state assets. I have every confidence that she will show leadership and acquit herself well as National Commissioner," said Zuma.

He wished her all the best in her new assignment.

Phiyega takes over from former Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele. Zuma announced that he had been released from his duties.

In September last year, Zuma appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate the alleged misconduct by Cele and to pronounce on his fitness for office or his capacity to execute his official duties efficiently and related aspects.

The Board of Inquiry Chairperson, Justice Jakes Moloi, presented the report to Zuma on 20 May.

"The Board has found General Cele to be unfit for office and has recommended his removal from office in terms of the provisions of section 8(6)(b)(v) of the South African Police Service Act No. 68 of 1995. Having thoroughly considered the report of the Board, and applied my mind thereto, I have decided to release General Cele from his duties," said Zuma.

He added that General Cele still had a lot to contribute to the country given his experience and commitment to making South Africa a better place for all each day.

Zuma said that during Cele's tenure crime levels dropped.

"I would in particular, 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.

"A lot of good work has been done by SAPS. However, the reports of the Public Protector and that of the Board of Inquiry indicate deficiencies administratively and in particular in relation to General Cele's duties as an accounting officer," he said.

The President thanked Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who has been acting as National Commissioner during the past few months. He has done a lot of work to keep the force focused on fighting crime and corruption, he said.

Zuma said he had had a discussion with Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa about "what needs to be corrected immediately within the SAPS so that we can continue the excellent record of fighting crime".

This included management and financial systems as well as the breaches of information security within the establishment, which Zuma said had "unfortunately become common".

"We have in the past few weeks witnessed a disappointing spectacle of police officers jeopardising state security by placing information in the public domain, in contravention of their oath of office. This is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated if the fight against crime is to continue being effective."

He said Mthethwa and the new National Commissioner would assist in dealing with these matters.