Police union shocked at Deliwe de Lange’s departure
The South African Police Union (SAPU) has expressed shock at the decision by Gauteng police commissioner Deliwe de Lange to go on early retirement.
After serving 35 years at the South African Police Service (SAPS), De Lange has indicated that she will go on early retirement at the end of June.
Reports however suggest that she had been asked by national police management to vacate her post.
A golden handshake was also allegedly presented to De Lange to urge her to leave.
SAPU says while it is aware of the golden handshake reports it remains shocked at the sudden developments.
“Unfortunately, in a way that is not really acceptable because if General de Lange was not performing, they could have put intervention in Gauteng province. However, this is not true.”
It’s understood that former Gauteng police commissioner Mzwandile Petros will succeed de Lange.
Police remain tight-lipped on details of de Lange’s departure, citing protocol.
"The status of an employee falls within the employer or employee relationship which is respected by SAPS management. Any relevant announcements will be made by management at an appropriate time,” says spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.
Mathe vowed that Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole will soon make a pronouncement.