Statement by Minister of Police Mr Fikile Mbalula: Re: Acting National Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. JK Phahlane
His Excellency President President Jacob Zuma exercising his prerogative has relieved Lt. Gen. Phahlane from his position as Acting-National Police Commissioner. We wish to thank the president for his wisdom and decisive action in this regard.
There are clearly serious allegations of misconduct on the part of Lieutenant General Phahlane which also impacts on his fitness to hold office as the Acting National Police Commissioner.
The allegations against Lt. Gen. Phahlane raise questions of conduct that would be inconsistent with expectations that attend those who hold leadership in our police service, the South African Police Service.
I am duty bound to make it clear that Lt. Gen. Phahlanehas a right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The allegations levelled are yet to be tested in a court of law.
It is also evident from the public statements from IPID, an institution this government holds in serious esteem for its importance for our democracy and protection of citizens human rights, that there will be continuing legal processes between IPID and Lt. Gen. Phahlane in courts. There clearly are accepted perception discomforts with regards to a perceived interference risk which leads itself to potential national security risk should IPID be impeded in doing their constitutional dutylawfully by anyone.
It is my belief that Lt. Gen. Phahlane and the rule of law would be better served if the Lt. Gen. is afforded adequate time and personal freedom to focus on these personal allegations against him without the added burdens of the office of the Acting National Police Commissioner.
It is in this spirit that I informed His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma that the General’s continued holding of office negatively impacts on the Ministry and department for which I am responsible.
The current National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega’s contractual term of office comes to an end on the 10 June, 2017, and that, the president in accordance with his prerogative, will be considering the appointment of the new National Police Commissioner shortly. In the meantime, an Interim-Acting National Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. L Mothiba has been appointed by the president.
Ordinarily the Lt. Gen. Phahlane would then revert back to his position of Forensic Services Divisional Commissioner and be capable.
I have made a determination that the enormous task I am soon to set out for the Forensic Services towards the full professionalisation of the police to achieve the best outcomes in the fight against crime and to secure our national security integrity require that the police are fully focussed on the job at hand. The scourge of crimes against women and children is extremely important and cannot be left to hope.
With these priorities, it is clear to me that the initial reasoning over Lt. Gen. Phahlane’s undesirableness’sstay as Acting-National Police Commissioner equally arises in his original role. Accordingly, Lt. Gen. Phahlanehas been requested by myself to furnish me with cogent and reasonable reasons why I should not suspend himfrom his position as Forensic Services Divisional Commissioner with immediate effect.
This government has committed itself to being proactive in matters of corruption and in defense of our constitution - the independency of the IPID, Judiciary, NPA, Chapter 9 Institutions and others. We are acting as we committed.
Where there is even a perception of threat to our constitution, we are duty bound to act to protect it where we can. I am concerned about the allegations of misconduct of IPID. Equally these allegations are serious and they too, give rise to national security risk, risk to integrity of the IPID’s independency. IPID is required to perform its duties with utmost integrity and in doing so utilise trustworthy and corruption proof-methods.
I take this opportunity to thank Lt. Phahlane for his contribution as Acting-National Police Commissioner and I send good wishes to Lt. Gen. Mothiba, our Interim-National Police Commissioner. I also wish to once again acknowledge and thank the president for his action and support in this regard. Lt. Gen. will say a few words.
Enquiries:
Mr Esethu Hasane
Cell: 071 259 2422
E-mail: hasanee@saps.gov.za
