New Gauteng top cop appointed

Lt-Gen Bethuel Zuma has been appointed Gauteng provincial commissioner, national commissioner Riah Phiyega said on Saturday.

"Lt-Gen Zuma has 20 years experience as a policeman," Phiyega told reporters in Pretoria.

"He worked his ranks up in the police from constable to major general."

Zuma would replace Lt-Gen Mzwandile Petros, whose last day as provincial commissioner was Saturday.

He was not related to President Jacob Zuma.

"I wish to also take this opportunity to thank Lt-Gen Petros for being a loyal servant of the service," Phiyega said.

"He is the epitome of a professional police officer."

She said Petros had agreed to stay with the police for a year.

"We have been engaged in discussions about his future role in the police.

"He indicated his desire to move on and pursue other interests. I have tried hard to ensure that his skills are not lost to the SAPS [SA Police Service]. He has kindly agreed to stay on until the end of this year to focus on a number of special projects," she said.