News24 reports that the appointment of General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as top cop is a triumph for South African Police Minister Bheki Cele who, sources say, now has a “close ally” at the levers of power. But a source, who was part of the interviewing panel and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the career officer was also the logical choice to lead the beleaguered police, and should be given a chance to prove himself. This was echoed by Institute for Security Studies researcher Gareth Newham, who said it would be critical for Masemola to stamp his authority in controlling day-to-day operations, and that Cele should give him the latitude for change, without interference.
