Debate politics and police - new chief
2012-06-14 16:21
Pretoria - The issue of political interference within the SA Police Service (SAPS) will need to be debated, newly-appointed police commissioner Mangwashi Phiyega said on Thursday.
"If there is merit or no merit [to allegations of political interference], for me the jury is still out," Phiyega told reporters in Pretoria.
"Are we confused about issues of political interference?," she asked.
Phiyega said it was a case of political interference versus political involvement.
"You get the political side of the police."
She said those on the political side of the police were elected by the people of South Africa.
It needed to be debated whether political involvement was getting confused with political interference.
"With experience, I will give a better interpretation," said Phiyega.
Tackling corruption was high on her priority list.
"There is corruption in the system... Something needs to be done."
However, she said it was everywhere.
Phiyega's first full day on the job will be Friday, when she meets police senior management.
She said she would be going to her office for the first time on Thursday afternoon.
President Jacob Zuma announced Phiyega's appointment on Tuesday, after he had fired former police commissioner Bheki Cele.
- SAPA
