A popular Cape Flats cop will soon hand in his badge and gun as he takes over as the new Western Cape Police Ombudsman.
Premier Helen Zille has announced Khayelitsha cluster commander, Major-General Johan Brand, will take over from advocate Vusi Pikoli on 1 September.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Helen Zille. DAVID RITCHIE/ ANA Pictures
Brand, 50, who joined the police when he was just 17 years old, has been a cop for 33 years and says he hopes the move will help to improve service delivery in the Western Cape.
“I worked mostly in the detectives branch at various stations but in 2010 I became operational when they made me the station commander for Mitchells Plain and then I was promoted to cluster commander for Khayelitsha,” he tells the Daily Voice.
“I have been very fortunate to have the support of the communities I have worked with.
“When complaints are made, I am equipped to deal with it because I understand police
procedures. I am very excited for the new challenge.”
Brand is also currently the acting commander for the Mitchells Plain and Wynberg clusters in addition to covering Khayelitsha.
Zille says: “We look forward to him bringing this expertise into the office of the police ombudsman. His extensive 33 years’ experience in the South African Police Service has made him a pillar of strength in forging improved relationship between communities and police, in areas such as Khayelitsha and beyond.”
She also thanked Pikoli, who will hand over the reigns later this month, for his work.