DA and ACDP welcomes Phiyega’s alleged interference with an investigation

Loyiso Langeni
25 October 2013

The Democratic Alliance today said National Police Commissioner’s alleged interference with an investigation must be probed immediately. 

Phiyega is accused of defeating the ends of justice as well as a breach of national security.

She had reportedly been told that the officer would be arrested, for allegedly taking bribes from a criminal. 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said if Commissioner Phiyega is innocent then she would not oppose an investigation.

Kohler added that the national police commissioner alerted a top cop that he was being investigated are a great concern and it could mean she has defeated the ends of justice, given the severity of these allegations it is essential that the Police Commissioner is fully investigated in terms of the law.

“I have written to the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, to find out from him exactly what steps are being taken against the Police Commissioner.

Meanwhile the African Christian Democratic Party said it welcomes the investigation against National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega,” Kohler said.   

ACDP Spokesperson Keeno Petersen said they are more concerned about rumours that the instruction to investigate Phiyega came from suspended Acting Divisional Commissioner Chris Ngcobo who had been placed on special leave because of inconsistency in his qualifications. 

Petersen said the allegations against Police Commissioner also speaks to a power struggle in the ranks of the South African Police Service and if these allegations are true and an attempt by top ranking SAPS officials to break the very law happened then that is a major problem.

“This is a serious situation and it cannot be allowed to continue. We welcome the investigations that are to be conducted by the IPID and we also call for a speedily resolution into this matter,” Petersen added.