The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams as the Provincial Commissioner of the North West, effective from 1 August 2026.
Lieutenant General Adams brings more than 34 years of policing experience to the role. A seasoned operational commander, he holds a National Diploma in Policing and has built an extensive career in specialised policing, tactical operations and leadership development.
His career began after completing his training at the Tshwane Police Academy, serving in Public Order Policing in East London before transferring to Gqeberha. Over the years, he has served in several specialised units, including as a Public Order Police (POP) member, National Intervention Unit (NIU) operator and trainer, Counter Assault Team (CAT) member, and Advanced VIP Close Protector.
In 2002, he was appointed Functional Training Coordinator for Protection and Security Services in the Eastern Cape, where he coordinated specialised training and strengthened policing capabilities.
As Commander of the SAPS Thabazimbi Tactical Training Academy and later the Mankwe Training Academy, Lieutenant General Adams oversaw the training of members from elite units, including the National Intervention Unit, Counter Assault Team and Special Task Force.
His leadership career continued with his promotion to Brigadier in 2012, when he became Cluster Commander of Potchefstroom in the North West. In 2016, he was promoted to Major General and served as District Commissioner of Bojanala Platinum District 2 in Rustenburg.
In 2021, Lieutenant General Adams transferred to the Free State as District Commissioner of Mangaung. On 1 June 2026, he was appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Policing in the Free State, a position he held until his appointment as North West Provincial Commissioner.
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