New top cop to get ‘hands dirty’ in ensuring communities get services

Newly appointed national police commissioner Fannie Masemola vows to do just what he has been put in office for, and would implement his vast experience to make sure that his management team will provide services to the people of South Africa.

Earlier this morning, Masemola had an interview at 702 fm, where he affirmed to ensure there is stability in every sector that is a headache not only with crime, but the Saps as a whole.

The new top cop is set to start this week, after being appointed last week by the President Cyril Ramphosa to replace General Khehla Sitole.

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Getting hands dirty to get the job done

When asked about corruption within the Saps, specifically firearm theft where corrupt police members sell them to crime syndicates, Masemola said they were working on a centre storage for all firearms nationally.

“We already started to centralise, create central storage facility to firearms so that we do not have too many firearms at police stations, we embarked on that process and we will ensure we fast-track it.

“So that firearms are stored at minimum places not everywhere in the country so that they are not exposed to much more risk,” said Masemola

Masemola cited he will dirty his hands in making sure the community gets the services owed to them.

Backlogs

He also touched on the issue of backlogs, vowing to deal with the front line in making sure resources are available when needed by the community,

He said this was especially when it came to the issue of police officers struggling to find a van when reporting to a scene.

“We will focus to make sure that our garages are functional and make sure that police vans are available when needed.”

He further questioned why police garages operate from 9 to 5, and are not available 24 hours.

“One area is to follow up on those garages to make sure they work 24 hours, as well as other service providers.”

Masemola added that police stations with vacant leadership will also be filled.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints General Fannie Masemola as SA’s new police commissioner