Can a leopard change its spots?
With the possible appointment of controversial Robert McBride as the new head of the Independent Police Investigative Directive, one can’t help but wonder – can a leopard change his spots and is there fire where one can see a lot of smoke?
McBride has had numerous criminal charges laid against him and although he has survived them, his public persona has been tainted. Will the public be able to trust such a man should he be appointed to ‘police the police’?
Shortly before Jacob Zuma became president, his standing as an office bearer was also questioned. Zuma had been fighting a charge of rape laid against him, had made dubious statements about showering to make sure he did not contract HIV/Aids and was accused of being involved in the arms deal scandal. However, even with the allegations levelled against him, he was elected president, although some would argue public opinion of him has not changed much since his appointment.
If the President of South Africa was given a chance at winning the public over, surely McBride should be given that same chance? However, with the Nkandla report looming, the public cannot be blamed for being sceptical of public servants with checkered pasts.
