First woman police chief named in South Africa after predecessor is sacked

South Africa has appointed its first woman national police chief, after the previous chief was caught up in a financial scandal.

The appointment yesterday of Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega, comes amid questions about whether capable officials are leading the fight against violent crime in South Africa.

President Jacob Zuma, who seven months ago suspended now-former police chief Bheki Cele, has been accused of acting too slowly to address public concerns about policing.

According to a report released in February, Cele violated regulations by failing to seek competitive bids when leasing police offices. Mr Zuma said he had fired Cele and announced Ms Phiyega’s appointment.

Her predecessor, Jackie Selebi, is serving a 15-year jail term for corruption after a court heard he had been taken on shopping sprees by a drug lord.