Gauteng gets stop-gap police boss

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane announced Mothiba's new post and added that his predecessor, Mzwandile Petros, would remain in the province to do "special projects".

Mothiba previously served as the divisional commissioner of visible policing . He joined the police in 1982. He has been a station commander in Alexandra and a head in the division responsible for the training of all SAPS personnel.

National police commissioner Riah Phiyega withdrew Zuma's appointment when it emerged that he faced a series of charges linked to an alleged drunk-driving incident, including attempting to escape from custody and defeating the ends of justice.

Mokonyane admitted to the provincial legislature that the government was partly responsible for the Zuma debacle .

"We were involved in those deliberations but, finally, it is the responsibility of the SAPS to then make a decision as to who becomes the provincial commissioner," she said.

The DA accused Mokonyane of shifting the responsibility to the national commissioner. DA's Jack Bloom said the powers of the province are very strong with regard to [appointing a] provincial commissioner.

Mokonyane said a new process had begun to advertise the post of the provincial commissioner. "I can assure the community of Gauteng that in this process there will be due diligence," Mokonyane said.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge