Cope finds timing of Phiyega’s suspension insensitive
JOBURG – Portfolio Committee on Police supports the appointment of the acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Johannes Khomotso Phahlane.
Different organisations welcomed President Jacob Zuma’s decision to suspend National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, while Cope finds the timing insensitive and painful to witness.
Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Police has pledged its support for the appointment of acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Johannes Khomotso Phahlane.
Chairperson Francois Beukman said this is the correct approach toward ensuring proper adherence to processes related to the inquiry President Zuma established to look into the fitness of General Riah Phiyega to hold office, among other things. Beukman said that maintaining stability in the SAPS is very critical during this time and as such, the swift appointment of an acting National Police Commissioner would assist in this regard.
However, Cope sings a different tune, “Congress of the People condemns the manner in which the Presidency handled the timing of National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s suspension. It was common knowledge that she was appearing before the Portfolio Committee in Parliament. The announcement could have waited until the end of the meeting. For her to receive the news while she was appearing before the committee was painful to witness”.
Cope said they did not approve of the fact that she was not candid with the commission and they added that she did her best to protect the then Minister of Police from any blame for the Marikana massacre. “Furthermore, her comment that police officers should not be sorry about the shooting there revealed to what extent she lacked an understanding of the Constitution as well as of South African history.”
Amnesty International Southern Africa said the suspension of Phiyega by Zuma is a positive but long overdue step and will give some hope to the families of the victims of the Marikana shootings that they may finally see justice done, said Amnesty International.
“More than three years after striking mineworkers were gunned down by police in Marikana no one has been held to account and General Phiyega is the first member of the South African Police Service to be suspended,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for southern Africa.
On 16 August 2015 Amnesty International called for the suspension of all members of the SAPS implicated in the Marikana killings and subsequent cover-up, pending the outcome of further investigations.
AfriForum also responded, “For some time now we’ve been requesting the removal of Phiyega, who is clearly unfit for her position and has been a political appointment,” said Ian Cameron, head of community safety at AfriForum.
Cameron added that Phiyega’s conduct at various different occasions has been a slap in the face of honourable, dedicated members of the police. “She has shown repeatedly that she does not have the necessary leadership skills that her position requires,” Cameron added.
Details: Amnesty International Southern Africa, 011 283 6000; Parliamentary Communication Services Temba Gubula, 021 403 8307;
Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem, 082 451 5718; AfriForum media relations officer Mariska Batt, 084 299 6928.
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