/ 1 August 1997

Top cop Kahn starts work

FRIDAY, 6.00PM:

FORMER SA Breweries chief executive Meyer Kahn started work as a policeman on Friday. Kahn’s role as the most senior civilian in the police force will be to restructure the force, taking charge of personnel and financial matters while freeing up the police commissioner George Fivaz to concentrate on policing.

His appointment, announced by Deputy President Thabo Mbeki in May, was intended to restore business confidence amid spiralling crime. Kahn, who comes with a reputation for toughness, has said he believes that conventional business practices can be applied to rejuvenate the demoralised police force.

But on Friday he had nothing to day. “If he speaks to everyone, he will not have time to do his job,” an aide said.