Okay, here’s⁤ a breakdown of​ the main points of the article, focusing ​on the issues with South African policing and the proposed solutions, along with a summary of the⁣ author’s overall argument:

Core Argument:

The article argues that South Africa’s police service (SAPS) and related ⁤investigative bodies (like the Hawks and IPID) ‌are plagued by political interference, a lack of professionalism, ⁤and poor governance. Despite numerous reports outlining clear paths to advancement, the necessary ​changes are not being implemented due to a lack of⁢ political‍ will. The author suggests that superficial “quick fixes” are ineffective without fundamental⁢ reforms focused on merit, accountability,⁣ and independence.

Key Issues Highlighted:

* ‌ Politicized Appointments: Senior police appointments are driven by political considerations rather than competence. This leads to unqualified individuals in key ⁤leadership positions. the example⁢ of Mthandazo Ntlemeza (Hawks head) being appointed despite a judgment questioning his integrity is a stark illustration.
* Paramilitary Structure & Lack of Competence Focus: The SAPS is described as having‍ a paramilitary structure‍ that prioritizes rank over skill. This‍ means someone with administrative experience can outrank and give orders to a specialist in a specific area (like public order policing).
* Delayed Implementation of Reforms: Crucial ⁣reports with recommendations for improvement (like the one the article references) are often sat⁢ on for years by political figures (specifically mentioning Minister Cele).Even when laws are passed to protect institutions like IPID, thier implementation is ‌delayed or selectively applied.
* Governance Failures at IPID: The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) suffers‌ from bizarre governance issues, with legal⁢ protections passed by Parliament being delayed for years⁢ due to presidential inaction.
* ‍ Ineffective “Quick Fixes”: ‍Lifestyle audits and security vetting are presented as superficial measures that‍ don’t address​ the root causes of corruption and lack of integrity. They are rendered ‍meaningless ⁤if the results⁢ aren’t made public.
* Accountability ‍Deficit: ⁣Accountability is seen ⁤as essential for good police-public relations and “principle-based policing,” but ‌it’s undermined by the lack of⁢ integrity and openness within the system.
* Ongoing Problems with ⁣Key Appointments: The article ⁣points to the ongoing‌ difficulty‍ in finding a permanent ⁣successor to the former Hawks boss​ as evidence of the continuing issues with the appointment process.

Proposed Solutions ⁢(as outlined in the reports discussed):

* independent Policing Board: Establish a board to oversee police appointments, ⁢ensuring a “competitive and merit-based ⁤recruitment process” and selecting provincial police commissioners.
* focus on Competence over Rank: Restructure the SAPS to prioritize skills and expertise over hierarchical rank.
* Principle-based Policing: Emphasize⁢ integrity, professionalism, and truth-telling⁢ as the foundation of policing.
* ⁤ ‍ Clear Standards and Criteria: ‌ Implement transparent and objective standards for all appointments.

Author’s Tone:

The author is critical and frustrated. they clearly believe that the problems are well-understood and that solutions exist, but are being deliberately ignored due‌ to political self-interest. The use of phrases like⁣ “toxic mess,” “kick, shoot,⁤ give some minister,” and “haphazard governance” conveys a strong sense of disapproval.

Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of the article or analyze it further!