Marianne Merten
At least three civilians have applied for the post of Western Cape police commissioner -a first in the history of the police service – despite grumbling among the top brass that the job should go to one of the men in blue.
The civilian candidates include Cape Town Safer City manager Omar Valley, Technikon SA police trainer Dr Ruben Richards and anti-crime community activist Irvin Kinnes.
Last month’s appointment of a head-hunting firm by Western Cape MECfor Community Safety Mark Wiley is regarded as an indication of the seriousness and high stakes involved in getting the “right” candidate for the province wracked by bombings, drive-by shootings and gang wars.
While it is understood that police National Commissioner George Fivaz is opposed to a civilian in the job, the appointment is believed to be a strong indication of how Minister of Safety and Security Steve Tshwete will handle his new portfolio.
Although the application deadline was last Friday, it will take two weeks to sort through the forms. Only then will a shortlist be selected and a selection panel convened. The panel’s recommendation will be forwarded to Fivaz about three weeks thereafter. The final decision is made by Fivaz and Wiley in concurrence with Tshwete.
Candidates from police ranks include: Operation Good Hope head Commissioner Ganief Daniels, the terrorism campaign’s operational chief Director Simon Mpembe, head of Operation Chaka Commissioner Adam Blaauw and East Metropole area head Director Niel van Heerden and his acting area commissioner Director Arno le Moer.