IPID MOVE- A FISHING EXPEDITION

3 February 2016

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has noted with astonishment the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (Ipid) registered criminal charges against the National Commissioner Riah Phiyega.

As POPCRU, we have always maintained that as it relates to the Marikana matter, we do not see or know of any reason as to why National Commissioner Riah Phiyega should be charged. We stand by that stance and continue to fully support her.

We are of the view that the matter has been turned into a point-scoring trail, and is no longer about Marikana, but something else. The fact that there are inquiries on top of inquiries leaves little to be desired. Why could they not await the outcomes of the Inquiry into her fitness to hold office.

We view this latest move as a deliberate fishing expedition aimed at discrediting and tarnishing the name of General Phiyega in the public domain, as a way to stop any possibility of her return. The Marikana report is a very serious and significant matter, no one should trivialise this matter for short term political and selfish ends. It takes us further from the truth, and does not serve to restore justice.

Statement issued by POPCRU, 3 February 2016