Phiyega should be fired immediately
AfriForum insists that Lt. Gen. Riah Phiyega, suspended National Police Commissioner, be fired immediately – and without a golden handshake.
“We hope that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee will recommend that Phiyega be fired immediately in light of the Claassen Commission’s report into the fitness of Phiyega to hold office. Phiyega is an embarrassment to the blue uniform and never deserved to hold office in the Police,” says Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety.
According to Cameron, the report will be discussed by the Portfolio Committee this coming Thursday.
Cameron is of the opinion that Phiyega played a major part in the destruction of the South African Police Service and that many a scandal happened under her leadership, among these the killing of 34 miners in the tragic Marikana massacre:
- Phiyega appointed Lt. Gen. Bethuel Mondli Zuma in August 2013 as Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng. His appointment was later withdrawn because he was being investigated for criminal offenses.
- Phiyega herself was charged in 2013 for obstruction of justice after she had warned Lt. Gen. Arno Lamoer that he was being investigated. Lamoer was arrested shortly thereafter on charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice, among other.
- Phiyega gave false evidence during the Marikana investigation, and was also involved in fabricating more false evidence. With this, she violated the Police’s Code of Ethics.
- Phiyega has no experience in policing or management.
- Phiyega has no legitimacy in the Police.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service determines that the person appointed as the National Police Commissioner should have the necessary knowledge, experience and qualifications.
“If the permanent appointment of the National Police Commissioner is not based on merits and not without any political motives, it can damage the Police’s legitimacy internally and externally,” Cameron concludes.
