By Moshoeshoe Monare and Sibusiso Ngalwa
New National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele, a trendy-dressing, tough-talking "cowboy", wants to rid the streets of rapists, and insists on using "deadly force" against violent criminals.
President Jacob Zuma announced the appointment of Cele at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, flanked by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Deputy Minister Fikile Mbalula and the police's top brass.
Zuma did not renew the contract of Cele's predecessor, the controversial Jackie Selebi, who is on trial for corruption.
The president has asked Cele to focus "immediately" on cash-in-transit heists.
Zuma reminded Cele of his State of the Nation pledge to reduce crime levels, overhaul the criminal justice system in the next five years and put an end to the murder of police officers.
"We would like to warn criminals who take chances and attack police officials that they are hitting at the heart of the state and we will respond vigorously," Zuma said.
Cele, who will assume command on Monday, said he stood by his statement regarding the use of force against criminals.
"I stuck with section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977. I say it also allows police to use deadly force when they are attacked. It's not me, it's from that piece of legislation.
"Deadly force... Dead means you will die, that's what it means. So I never used any extra word than what it is in the law," he said.
He said he wanted to achieve his wish that "one day, a girl will walk alone from a nightclub, or wherever she comes from, without fear of any attack, any abuse or any rape".
Zuma defended his choice of Cele, and both men evaded questions about the appointment of another politician as head of the police.
Cele - up till now the KwaZulu-Natal safety MEC - is an ANC national executive committee member. He was also a senior ruling-party leader, before becoming a top civil servant in the then-named Department of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to questions on Cele's appointment ahead of high-ranking police officers, Zuma insisted that Cele was the right choice and was respected in the SAPS ranks.
"One of the things that Bheki has done - you will agree with me, is that the level of crime in KZN has gone down - from the taxi violence to the heists... He is no stranger to this type of work."
Stemming from this political background, the relationship between Selebi and former safety and security minister Charles Nqakula was frosty.
However, Cele said he did not foresee any friction between him and Mthethwa. "Surely, we will work well," Cele said.
Zuma said Cele's background in the safety portfolio, both in the legislature and in the KwaZulu-Natal executive, was an added advantage.
"We have no doubt that Cele will lead the SAPS efficiently and effectively. He takes over the leadership of the SAPS just as the government forges ahead to improve its capacity to fight crime," he said.
Cele's tasks, if Zuma's briefing could be interpreted as key performance indicators for the new commissioner, include increasing the police force "from at least 180 000 to more than 200 000, with more focus being given to increased visibility and enhancing crime detection".
"Over the next year, the number of detectives will increase by 19 percent, and a programme is already under way to train more than 12 000 police personnel in detective-related matters," Zuma said.
The filling of key positions, said Zuma, was a key factor towards reducing crime. The position of head of the new priority crimes unit, the Hawks, had been filled with the appointment of Anwa Dramat, while Richard Mdluli had been appointed to head crime intelligence.
Zuma added that "among the areas of immediate focus are the cash-in-transit heists. While the financial losses may have declined, the threat posed to the public, where heavily armed criminals conduct heists in public spaces, requires energetic intervention."
Asked whether he would employ his cowboy image to fight crime, Cele said: "Well, cowboys never cry... We need to be tough."