Police Union Popcru is putting its weight behind suspended police commissioner Riya Phiyega, saying the charges against her were “just a fishing expedition”.
President Jacob Zuma assigned the Farlam Commission to investigate events leading to the shooting of more than 34 Marikana mineworkers in August 2012.
The report, released in June, recommended that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) establish a team to investigate the shootings, which should be headed up by a senior state advocate.
The Daily Dispatch reported yesterday that parliament’s police committee briefed members on the progress made by the 21-member team since it was established in July. Addressing the committee Ipid acting director Israel Kgamanyane said they had registered criminal cases against Phiyega and former North West provincial commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo in September. Mbombo has since resigned.
Kgamanyane said these two files had been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision to prosecute.
The Dispatch also reported that two more officials, deputy North West commissioner Ganasen Naidoo and Brigadier Ledile Malahlele, could also face charges of defeating the ends of justice and that criminal cases have been registered against them but had not yet been forwarded to the NPA.
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesman Richard Mamabolo said they did not know of any reason why Phiyega should be charged for events leading to the Marikana tragedy.
“We stand by that stance and continue to fully support her. We are of the view that the matter has been turned into a point-scoring trial, and is no longer about Marikana, but something else.
“The fact that there are inquiries on top of inquiries leaves much to be desired. Why could they not await the outcomes of the inquiry into her fitness to hold office?” asked Mamabolo.
President Jacob Zuma announced in September that he had set up a board of inquiry into Phiyega’s fitness to hold office.
Judge Cornelis Claasen was assigned to chair the three-person board, which gave Phiyega until the end of September 28 to give reasons why she should not be suspended. She is currently on suspension.
Mamabolo said they viewed this latest move as a “fishing expedition aimed at discrediting and tarnishing the name of General Phiyega in the public domain, as a way to stop any possibility of her return”.
“The Marikana report is a very serious and significant matter; no-one should trivialise this matter for short-term political and selfish ends. It takes us further from the truth,” Mamabolo said.
Union backs police boss in Marikana investigation
President Jacob Zuma assigned the Farlam Commission to investigate events leading to the shooting of more than 34 Marikana mineworkers in August 2012.
The report, released in June, recommended that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) establish a team to investigate the shootings, which should be headed up by a senior state advocate.
The Daily Dispatch reported yesterday that parliament’s police committee briefed members on the progress made by the 21-member team since it was established in July. Addressing the committee Ipid acting director Israel Kgamanyane said they had registered criminal cases against Phiyega and former North West provincial commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo in September. Mbombo has since resigned.
Kgamanyane said these two files had been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision to prosecute.
The Dispatch also reported that two more officials, deputy North West commissioner Ganasen Naidoo and Brigadier Ledile Malahlele, could also face charges of defeating the ends of justice and that criminal cases have been registered against them but had not yet been forwarded to the NPA.
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesman Richard Mamabolo said they did not know of any reason why Phiyega should be charged for events leading to the Marikana tragedy.
“We stand by that stance and continue to fully support her. We are of the view that the matter has been turned into a point-scoring trial, and is no longer about Marikana, but something else.
“The fact that there are inquiries on top of inquiries leaves much to be desired. Why could they not await the outcomes of the inquiry into her fitness to hold office?” asked Mamabolo.
President Jacob Zuma announced in September that he had set up a board of inquiry into Phiyega’s fitness to hold office.
Judge Cornelis Claasen was assigned to chair the three-person board, which gave Phiyega until the end of September 28 to give reasons why she should not be suspended. She is currently on suspension.
Mamabolo said they viewed this latest move as a “fishing expedition aimed at discrediting and tarnishing the name of General Phiyega in the public domain, as a way to stop any possibility of her return”.
“The Marikana report is a very serious and significant matter; no-one should trivialise this matter for short-term political and selfish ends. It takes us further from the truth,” Mamabolo said.
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