Civil groups say: 'Patekile's departure is a welcome change for Western Cape policing'

Outgoing Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile.

Civil groups and political parties have shared their thoughts about outgoing Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, who is retiring at the end of the month, and few have had kind words about his tenure.

Patekile was officially appointed as the Western Cape provincial commissioner in July 2021 after previously serving in an acting capacity.

He said that his departure is “not a train smash” and that he is satisfied knowing who will take over “because they will continue with the trajectory of the success”.

Spokesperson for the Minister of Police, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said: “The SAPS is busy with the necessary processes towards the appointment of a provincial commissioner for the Western Cape. Once those processes have been finalised, the SAPS will issue the relevant communication.”