Pretoria – National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, has responded to President Jacob Zuma’s letter informing her of his intention to institute an enquiry into her fitness to hold office.
The Presidency on Thursday issued a statement updating South Africans on the implementation of the recommendations of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry.
It said Phiyega had responded on 24 August 2015, stating that she needed further clarity to enable her to respond.
The President in June released the report of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, appointed to investigate matters of public, national and international concern arising out of the tragic incidents at the Lonmin Mine in Marikana during 11 to 16 August 2012. About 44 people lost their lives and many others were injured.
The commission was tasked with enquiring into and making findings and recommendations concerning the conduct of Lonmin Plc, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and other government departments, as well as individuals and groupings.
The commission’s report recommended, among other things, that there be an enquiry into Phiyega’s fitness to hold office.
In August the President wrote to the National Police Commissioner informing her of his “intention to institute an enquiry into the allegations of misconduct and/or lack of fitness for the office that she occupies and /or her ability to execute her duties efficiently with regard thereto, or any other conduct which may have a bearing on her position as Head of the Police Service”.
Phiyega had an opportunity to make written representations to the President as to why she should not be placed on suspension pending the outcome of the enquiry.
“The implementation of the Farlam Commission report continues.
“The President will in due course brief the public on the implementation of the various aspects of the Commission Report including the work to be done by the affected Ministries such as Police, Labour, Mineral Resources as well as Justice and Correctional Services,” the Presidency said on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za
