Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has appointed General Khehla John Sitole, the divisional commissioner head of protection and security services, as national police commissioner, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Presidency said his appointment was with immediate effect.

“His extensive experience in the police service will assist him to execute this critical task of making South Africans and everyone in the country safer and to feel safer. We wish General Sitole all of the best as he assumes his new position at the helm of a very important institution in government and the country," Zuma said.

The Presidency's statement detailed Sitole's ranks he had held within the police over the years.

"Born in Standerton in Mpumalanga province, General Sitole brings a wealth of operational as well as management experience to the SA Police Service," it said.

"He has grown through the ranks of the police having joined the service as a constable until his promotion as a Lieutenant General in 2011."

