The announcement of the early termination of the employment contract of the National Police Commissioner, Gen. Khehla Sitole, will contribute greatly to easing the tension between the police force's senior management and the Ministry of Police.
It will allow the police force's senior management to direct their focus to combat crime effectively.
In truth, the President ought to replace the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, as well. The reason for this is that Cele wants to play the role of commissioner, while he is in actual fact a politician and not an expert, experienced policeman.
Chances are that Cele will continue to try and interfere in the operational functioning of the police force under a new commissioner as well. And as Minister, he is not allowed to do so.
But should that happen, history will repeat itself and we will return to the current situation where there is great tension between the Commissioner and the Minister of Police.
The FF Plus wants to make it very clear that the next Police Commissioner must be someone who has a wealth of experience in the police service. It must not be a political appointment, like the ones before Sitole.
President Cyril Ramaphosa must establish a committee consisting of experts in police sciences before which candidates must appear to be selected.
This procedure is followed when the Chief Justice is appointed and, therefore, it must also be followed for the appointment of the National Police Commissioner.
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