The Fijian government announced Friday the appointment of Bernadus Groenewald to the position of Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force.

The decision to appoint Groenewald is line with the 2013 Constitution and in accordance with the appointment process by the Constitutional Offices Commission, a press release said Friday.

A South Africa national, Groenewald has served extensively in South Africa's Defence and Security forces.

He served 42 years in the South African Police Service and retired in 2010 at the rank of Major-General.

He was also the commanding officer of the South African police academy. As a senior police officer, he has also been responsible as the head of the security and safety of former presidents of South Africa and has overseen the security detail of various global events, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has welcomed the appointment, saying Groenewald brings with him a level of experience and professionalism that will serve the Fijian people well. "The Fijian government is confident that Groenewald's track record will strengthen the work undertaken by the Fiji Police Force".

The new police commissioner will begin work on May 14, 2014.

Former Fiji Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, has taken up the post of Ambassador at Large for Fiji since January.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, said earlier an Ambassador at Large was a diplomat of the highest rank who is accredited to represent his or her country internationally. Unlike an Ambassador in Residence who is usually limited to a country or embassy, the Ambassador at Large is entrusted to operate in several neighbouring countries or a region. Endi

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