New crime intelligence boss accused of having ‘fake matric’
The SAPS position has been dogged with scandal, but the police say the new acting head never lied about his qualifications.
SAPS
On Wednesday night Major General King Bhoyi Ngcobo was appointed as acting divisional commissioner of the crime intelligence in the South African Police Service (SAPS) with immediate effect.
His predecessor, Major-General Pat Mokushane, was axed on on Monday after allegations that he used a crime intelligence slush fund for personal benefit and conducted his businesses from his police office.
He also still did not have top secret security clearance after a parliamentary meeting discovered Mokushane’s clearance certificate was printed without following the processes, and was then rescinded.
The new appointment is a former highly trusted bodyguard of President Jacob Zuma, who reportedly submitted an alleged fake matric certificate when he joined the SAPS.
In a statement, police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said Ngcobo brought a “wealth of policing experience” to the position, as he has 20 years of experience.
“Crime intelligence is a critical environment that needs a leader that is hard-working, experienced, with good leadership qualities and is a person of good standing. Major General Ngcobo fits these requirements perfectly,” Naidoo said.
City Press had reported earlier this year that Ngcobo was promoted to head VIP Protection Services despite not having the required qualifications. Many police officers also questioned his matric certificate.
Zuma has personally praised Ngcobo publicly, it has been reported.
However, the police said at the time they had confirmed his qualification was valid.
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