Discredited former commissioner Phiyega unlawfully appointed as Polmed representative 

28 September 2017

The discredited former Commissioner of Police, Genl. Riah Phiyega, was recently appointed as a continuation representative at the medical scheme for police members, Polmed. This followed despite the fact that the report of the Farlam Commission of Enquiry into the Marikana incident included negative integrity findings with regard to Genl. Phiyega and that these findings have led to her suspension as National Police Commissioner.

According to Schalk de Bruin, head of Special Projects at Solidarity, it is also doubtful whether Phiyega will actually attend to the needs of police members who are members of the medical scheme. “Phiyega’s credibility has taken a blow due to the findings of the Farlam Commission against her after the Marikana incident. In addition, she was suspended pending the investigations against her. The paid suspension was in force until her contract was cancelled in June this year,” De Bruin said.

De Bruin furthermore explained that it is a requirement that Polmed’s continuation representatives should be retired, either due to medical reasons or due to their age. “Phiyega does not meet the requirements to serve in this position because of her fixed-term contract that linked her to the police and which was terminated in June this year,” De Bruin explained. 

Solidarity has already written a letter with regard to this issue and expressed its dissatisfaction with Phiyega’s appointment. “Solidarity won’t let the matter go and therefore we’ll do everything within our power to ensure that hard-working police members enjoy the best possible representation at Polmed,” De Bruin said. 

Issued by Schalk de Bruin, Head of special projects, Solidarity, 28 September 2017