Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata was appointed as the Police Commissioner of the Western Cape on Thursday. She will be the province’s first female Police Commissioner. Police Minister Bheki Cele made the announcement alongside National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Kehla Sithole.
Premier Alan Winde said in a statement the appointment would bring “steadfast leadership and stability to policing in the province.” The province had been without a Police Commissioner for three months prior to Matakata’s appointment.
“It is my hope that we will work closely together to improve safety in the province, particularly through departmental initiatives, such as provincial police forums,” said Western Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz.
New Police Commissioners were also appointed for the Free State and North West.
New WC Provincial commissioner Lt Gen Yolisa Matakata(second from the left) stands with newly appointed Divisional commissioner Lt Gen Moeketsi Sempe, new Free State Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Motswenyane and North West Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Kwena. @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Uml2CQW2yt
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) December 12, 2019
The Police Commissioner of each province serves as the highest ranked officer, and is responsible for the police force in the relevant province. The Commissioners of all nine provinces report directly to the National Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khehla John Sithole.
Matakata is the former acting head of the Hawks and has 34 years of experience in the police service.
Picture: Facebook