Albert Fritz amplifies ramblings of a SAPS Commissioner reshuffle in WC

The SAPS in the Western Cape is set for a major refresher at the top, with announcements being made of a new commissioner being sought.

In a statement, the provincial Ministry of Community Safety noted that Albert Fritz is part of ongoing discussions with the leadership of the police, on “the possible replacement of the Provincial Commissioner.”

Is the current SAPS Commissioner on his way out?

Khombinkosi Jula currently occupies this position. While he is on leave, senior officials in his office have been leaking information to publications like IOL News about the reason behind the move to have him removed from his position.

Murmurs within the SAPS corridors suggest that nepotism has been rampant under Jula’s rule.

Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, it is alleged that Jula would appoint his inner circle of colleagues from his hometown to positions in the Western Cape, ostracising capable officials with the needed expertise to address the scourge of violence that has befallen the Mother City.

It is further alleged that Jula has been warned, off the record, to vacate his position by no later than Monday, 15 July. It has become apparent, though, that this is not a demotion, but more of a lateral move to a similar post in his home province.

Fritz calls for transparency in Western Cape SAPS reform

Fritz has taken this opportunity to influence the process that is expected to commence shortly. In the cited statement, the MEC for Community Safety called for the replacement process to be more transparent and void of any political influence.

“I look forward to the amiable and transparent appointment of a Provincial Commissioner who will set aside internal politics and immediately prioritise the recent spate in gang-related violence and criminality in the Western Cape.

“It is imperative that the new Provincial Commissioner be a person of the highest integrity who is not involved in any of the factions that are currently destroying SAPS in the Western Cape,” he stated.

Fritz noted that once the new Commissioner has been appointed, he will ensure that he or she meets the objectives of the protocol which, essentially, is to reduce crime in a province that has been haunted by little else other than rampant cases of murder and bullet wars.

“As per section 207(5) of the Constitution, I look forward to receiving a report from the provincial commissioner at the provincial legislature annually on policing in the province.

“It is important that we maintain such practices and institutions because it ensures that the province’s policing is transparent and works for the most vulnerable citizens of this province.” he added.