PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma on Wednesday suspended embattled national police commissioner Riah Phiyega from her post.
The presidency said the suspension was immediate and would remain in effect until a decision was taken, following recommendations from a board of inquiry, as to whether she was fit to serve in the post.
“In terms of section 8(3)(a) of the South African Police Service Act, 1995, the President has suspended General Phiyega as National Commissioner of the South African Police Service with immediate effect and on full pay.
“The suspension is to endure pending any decision that is made following upon the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into allegations of misconduct, her fitness to hold office and her capacity to execute official duties efficiently.”
Phiyega had in late September submitted reasons to Zuma as to why she should not be suspended.
The Farlam commission of inquiry into the 2012 Marikana shooting had recommended that her fitness for the post be probed after it heavily criticised the police’s conduct. – ANA
