The story revealed some weeks ago by The Malta Independent Daily that Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit will be moved from his post of Commissioner has been finally ‘unofficially’ confirmed by Government sources who spoke to this newsroom saying that Government is not at all happy with the Commissioner’s performance.  

While other media followed TMI story, this newsroom can confirm its original breaking-news story that the Commissioner will not last long in his post.  At the time of publication Mr Zammit had somewhat replied lamely that he did not plan on moving, however follow-ups by this newsroom giving details of the first signs of trouble between the Commissioner and the Ministry remained unchallenged while other issues seemed to have surfaced along the way.

Amongst such issues this newsroom can now reveal that the Commissioner was put under pressure whether police officers should continue to serve as ‘security personnel’ on part-time basis during mass events such as that which took place this week on the Floriana Granaries where the Isle of MTV was held. According to the Ministry such practice is in breach of police regulations and it shouldn’t be permitted any longer.

In the meantime this newsroom tried to establish who will be replacing Mr Zammit and when will he be asked to resign but our sources within Government weren’t in a position to reveal the successor as there seems to be disagreement on who should head the police force. The more progressive wings within the Labour Government are lobbying for a young and active legally knowledgeable person within the force.

Deputy commissioners Ray Zammit (left) and Pierre Calleja 

On 17 May, The Malta Independent had reported that Mr Zammit was set to leave the post, with the commissioner later telling this media house that “family reasons” had sparked the speculation.

He had denied the report saying that his absence from some police events did not mean that he will be stepping down from the post or been asked to do so.

Speculation was encouraged after Mr Zammit failed to attend the announcement of the setting up of a union for police officers earlier that week encouraged even stronger. The press conference had been addressed by Home Minister Manuel Mallia and Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli.

Sources however had confirmed with The Malta Independent that Mr Zammit was considering stepping down for personal reasons not related to his duties.

That time, The Malta Independent had reported that his place will be taken up by either deputy commissioner Pierre Calleja or deputy commissioner Ray Zammit.