Durban — As the closing date looms for applications for the new eThekwini metro police head, all indications are that current deputy head Sibonelo Mchunu will replace retired Steve Middleton as the new chief.
The hunt for a new head started last month when Middleton announced his retirement from the post, forcing the municipality to advertise his position.
The aspirants have until Friday next week, which is the closing date for applications for the city police’s top job. What favours Mchunu more is the inclusion of the SAPS act’s section 64 which clearly stipulates that a new head must come from within the force, unlike before when members of the military and SAPS could also be appointed.
It is this section that was used by members who were challenging Middleton, since he came from the military without having been a junior metro officer by training. Middleton, who had served in the position since 2018, had been in and out of court fighting for his appointment from colleagues who were challenging its legality since 2020.
He eventually won his appeal in the Labour Court in September last year, which dismissed the ruling by the bargaining council that favoured his detractors. The council had in 2020 ruled that two challengers, Aubrey Mthethwa and Nhlanhla Mthethwa, were the ones suitable for the position because of their background in having been trained metro police, unlike Middleton.
Speaking to the Daily News on Thursday, Mchunu confirmed that he had applied for the job because he believed he met all the requirements stipulated in the advertisement.
He said he was happy that the city had emphasised that section 64 of the SAPS Act will apply this time around.
“After having risen from a constable to the deputy head of this force, I think I am ready to lead as the new head. I also meet all the requirements but the panel will appoint whoever it feels is right for the job,” said Mchunu.
Apart from section 64, Mchunu also meets the requirement which pertains to the period an applicant has served both in the force and in a management position, having joined 25 years ago and been the deputy head for a couple of years.
In terms of the essential requirements for the position, an applicant must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree or NQF level 7 plus seven years of experience, of which the two must have been at the senior management level. Mchunu holds a public relations diploma and LLB Honours from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as various SAPS and Metro internal certificates.
During Middleton’s term, 237 people had applied for the post and only six were shortlisted including Mchunu. In the six Middleton scored 20 marks out of 25 followed by Mchunu with 14.
Daily News