Pretoria - National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele had recused himself from the appointment process that saw his father-in-law being given the job of Provincial Head of Detectives in KwaZulu-Natal, police said on Sunday.
In a statement, SAPS said Mjabuliswa Ngcobo's appointment was approved by Deputy National Commissioner LC Andre Pruis in December last year, on recommendation of the Deputy National Commissioners and that he had complied with the requirements of the post.
The SAPS issued the statement after media reports questioned Ngobo's promotion a few months after Cele married his daughter.
Media reports also claimed that in December, the post of provincial head of detectives had been downgraded to the rank of brigadier but Ngcobo was appointed to the post at the higher rank of major-general in January this year.
Police, however, said the process of filling the post in KwaZulu-Natal commenced before the new structure was approved. The process commenced on 30 July 2010 because of the "critical nature" of the post.
"The existing structures for major generals and the new structure will only be implemented as from 1 April 2011 based on the outcome of the 'job evaluation' process, which might confirm the current level of the post," SAPS added.
According to SAPS, Ngcobo is not the only Provincial Head of Detective Services at the level of major general. His counterparts in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape are also on the same level.
SAPS said Ngcobo's new post was advertised internally and externally, after which a selection panel was established to conduct the selection process.
"The recommendations of the said panel were presented to the National Commissioner of the SAPS. The National Commissioner declared that he has an interest of a private nature in one of the applicants and had recused himself from the appointment process.
"The matter was referred to the Deputy National Commissioners for consideration and finalisation in terms of the Delegation of Authority of the SAPS. On recommendation of the Deputy National Commissioners, the appointment of Major General MC Ngcobo was approved by Deputy National Commissioner LCA Pruis on 23 December 2010," SAPS explained.
Ngcobo had at least 28 years of police service and held an honours degree in police science, SAPS added.
"Among other positions, he has been a detective since 1984. He has served in management positions as Branch Commander in 1987 at the level of Colonel, as the Area Head of Detectives in the Umfolozi Area in 1988 (also as a Colonel)."
Prior to his appointment as provincial head of detectives for KZN, Ngcobo was the area head of Durban South at the level of brigadier. - BuaNews
