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In the run-up to the release of the crime statistics, the consensus was that we were about to be hit with terrible news.
And absolutely terrible it was. So terrible that it is a miracle Police Minister Nathi Nhleko was not totally drenched in sweat by the time he was done presenting the statistics next to national commissioner General Riah Phiyega.
Besides the informed predictions of experts, research organisations and SA Police Service insiders, South Africans knew from personal experience and anecdotal evidence that crime was definitely on the rise.
So it came as no surprise that almost all the major crimes spiked in the past year, continuing the upward trend that crime has been on since the hapless Phiyega took over the police in 2012.
Phiyega’s predecessor, Bheki Cele, may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, especially given his John Wayne approach to policing, but under his stewardship of the service, South Africans and South African businesses were much safer.
Although he was not a career policeman, he provided strong and inspirational leadership to the men and women in blue, an important ingredient that is sorely missing with Phiyega. Phiyega’s tenure has been a monumental disaster, a terrible experiment in a country with our level and intensity of crime. Three years on, she still possesses elementary knowledge of policing and enjoys very little respect within the service.
Phiyega’s almost certain axing at the conclusion of the board of inquiry set up by President Jacob Zuma to look into her fitness for office will provide the head of state with an opportunity to correct his massive mistake. When he and his minister decide on a new police chief, the primary consideration must be skill and leadership.
Our country cannot afford another Phiyega.
