Mthethwa introduces new top cop

GCIS

(File image) Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega. Photo: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

Johannesburg - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa will introduce new police boss Mangwashi Victoria “Riah” Phiyega to the media at a ceremony on Thursday.

Mthethwa and Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu would officially welcome the country's first woman police commissioner at the SAPS training academy in Pretoria West.

President Jacob Zuma announced Phiyega's appointment with immediate effect on Tuesday.

The Polokwane-born business executive previously held positions in the corporate sector, including Absa. Prior to that, she served on the boards of Transnet and the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa.

She was part of the 2010 Soccer World Cup bid committee and received a special award for her work. The University of Limpopo bestowed a community work leadership award on her.

Phiyega has several tertiary qualifications in business management and social work. She is also known for her community work involving women and children.

Mthethwa said on Tuesday: “Based on her previous and current expertise, Ms Phiyega brings a wealth of experience on strategic leadership and sound management background, both from public service and private sector.”

Various opposition parties, however, commented on her lack of experience in the police.

Her predecessor, Bheki Cele vowed on Wednesday to approach the High Court in Pretoria in a bid to get clarity on the reasons for his dismissal.

Although Phiyega had a strong background in administration, Cele said the job of police commissioner had little to do with administration and more with the work on the ground - “being in the trenches with the men and women in blue”.

Cele said he did not know Phiyega, but he believed Zuma would always choose competent people.

Although Cele would be going to court, he said he would leave quietly. - Sapa