Men and women in blue parade during the State of the Province Address. Picture by Smanga Kumalo.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday announced that the province finally has a permanent Police commissioner in newly appointed General Deliwe Suzan De Lange.
Announcing De Lange’s appointment, Makhura said he is pleased that the issue of instability with the position of Gauteng Police Commissioner has finally been addressed. The Premier during his State of the Province Address voiced his concern about lack of a permanent appointment in this position.
De Lange is the first Police Commissioner appointed in a permanent capacity, since Bethuel Mondli Zuma was fired in 2013.
General Lesetja Mothiba was appointed in an acting capacity after Zuma was fired, and he was in turn replaced by Major General Eric Nkuna, who was appointed acting commissioner last month.
“We wish to congratulate and welcome Major De Lange in her new and demanding role,” Makhura said.
“We are confident that she brings a wealth of experience with her to help us fight crime and build a safer Gauteng.”
Welcoming De Lange’s appointment, the Premier’s office said that she has risen through the ranks since she joined the SA Police Service (SAPS) at the age of 22.
As the first female provincial commissioner ever to be appointed in Gauteng, De Lange has more than 30 years of experience.
Prior to her appointment as Gauteng Police Commissioner, she held the position of Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Human Resource Management in the province.
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