The Rise of a Controversial Police Chief.
Reporter – George April
PAARL: – A storm is brewing over the appointment of a new police head in the Cape Winelands, as allegations of incompetence and corruption continue to shadow her career.
The former Provincial Head of Visible Policing in Free State, whose rapid rise through the ranks has long been questioned. The woman is now making headlines again, this time for securing a top position in the Western Cape.
According to Paarl Post, her appointment has sparked public outcry, with many questioning how someone with such a tainted track record, could be entrusted with overseeing law enforcement in a region facing serious crime challenges. Her history is riddled with red flags. She failed her basic police training, firearms competency and key management courses. Yet, despite these setbacks, she climbed the ranks from a communication officer in 2011, to a high-profile policing positions.
Even more concerning, is her lack of security clearance, which raises serious concerns about her ability to handle classified investigations.
Critics point to a string of failures under her leadership.
Last year, intelligence reports warned that taxi bosses were targeted for assassination, and she allegedly ignored the information. The killings happened, instead of being held accountable, she was rewarded with yet another promotion. Whistle-blowers within the police force, including those in Free State, have spoken out against her. Alleging corruption, negligence, and a lack of leadership skills. One whistle-blower took his concerns directly to former National Commissioner Khehla Sitole, only to have his protected disclosures leaked back to the very individuals, he was exposing.
The result?
Retaliation and intimidation.
A complaint about her has reportedly been escalated to the President’s office, but with no decisive action taken so far, police officers and citizens alike are left questioning whether merit and integrity, still matter in South Africa’s law enforcement system.
Her performance assessments have previously recommended mentorship, indicating a lack of readiness for senior roles. Instead of mentorship, she has received continuous promotions, culminating in her latest appointment in the Cape Winelands. For many in Free State, her tenure was marked by a reign of terror, rather than effective policing.
Now, residents of the Cape Winelands are left to wonder, is their safety in good hands, or is this yet another politically motivated appointment, that puts power before public interest?
As scrutiny over her appointment intensifies, with one question remains; will accountability prevail, or will history repeat itself?
