Phiyega's alleged interference must be investigated
Allegations that Police Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, alerted a top cop that he was being investigated are of great concern, as it could mean that she defeated the ends of justice. Given the severity of these allegations it is therefore essential that the Police Commissioner is fully investigated in terms of the law (see The Star report)..
I will therefore today write to the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, to ascertain exactly what steps are being taken against the Police Commissioner and to gain clarity as to whether or not she has been charged. I will also follow up on my original question to determine whether the senior police official is in fact being investigated.
These revelations follow a tip-off that I received regarding Provincial Police Commissioner, Arno Lamoer. Following this, I put in a number of parliamentary questions to the Minister of Police to ascertain whether Commissioner Lamoer was being investigated. It is now being claimed that the National Police Commissioner then contacted him and discussed the investigation with him. The National Police Commissioner is quoted in the media saying that she merely forwarded this question to the Provincial Commissioner to respond to and that this cannot be considered a tip-off.
Although Commissioner Phiyega does not have a policing background, it is common sense that to telephone someone being investigated to inquire about the investigation is ludicrous. If she required information, or an update on the case, why did she not call the investigators? What reason was there for her to call the suspect? It is simply too big a mistake to make.
If Commissioner Phiyega is innocent, she should not oppose an investigation. Indeed she should encourage one. The reputation of the South African Police Services (SAPS) cannot continue to be battered by dodgy and corrupt officials. Those with criminal tendencies must be rooted out and punished in terms of the law.
Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, October 25 2013
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