Major General Thabang Lesia has been appointed the Free State’s new police commissioner and promoted to lieutenant general.
The post became vacant following the retirement of former commissioner Baile Motswenyane in January.
Lesia brings 39 years of service, having started as a student officer in 1986 and rose to deputy provincial commissioner in 2019.
His appointment was announced in Bloemfontein on Monday by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Lesia’s appointment comes just a day after Masemola completed the reappointment of KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Announcing Lesia’s new role, Masemola called on officers to act with integrity as they step up the fight against crime amid intense scrutiny of the agency.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is being closely monitored by two platforms, which are investigating allegations of criminal infiltration within the justice system.
Masemola, who is also facing legal challenges and is expected to appear in court, said officers must remain focused on their duties despite the criticism.
However, he denies any wrongdoing in connection with the multi-million-rand SAPS tender awarded to Medicare24, a company owned by alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Masemola has since acknowledged that restoring public confidence in the SAPS is now crucial.
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