SAPS response to the President's statement on the Marikana report

26 June 2015

Pretoria: The management of the South African Police Service has taken note of the statement by the President of the Republic regarding the Marikana Commission's report, its findings and recommendations. Management will study the full report.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Riah Phiyega, has indeed received a letter from President Zuma regarding the findings and recommendations of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry. The President has invited General Phiyega to respond by no later than 31 July 2015. General Phiyega will comply with the President's directive.

Out of respect for the processes outlined by the President, SAPS management has taken a decision that no public pronouncements about the report, its findings and recommendations will be made. In the interim, the management of the police would like to reassure the public that policing duties will continue as normal.

What happened in Marikana brought a lot of pain for everyone involved, especially the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, as well as members of the SAPS and its leadership. It has been a difficult journey and regrettably, that journey continues.

A heartfelt appeal is made to all SAPS members on the ground and police management to continue serving the nation in line with our Constitution and the oath of office taken. The SAPS belongs to the people of this country and all of us should continue to work hard to ensure that we build trust between the communities and the police.

Statement issued by Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, SAPS, June 28 2015