Firing Phiyega won't solve SAPS problems – ISS

Firing National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega over the Marikana killings will not address the complex problems facing the SAPS, among them those caused by political appointments. This is according to the Institute for Security Studies, which yesterday tabled an analysis of the Marikana report by Judge Ian Farlam, which is scathing of the role played by Phiyega and the top police management during and leading up to the events of 16 August 2012. A report in The Mercury notes the Farlam report concluded that along with the North West provincial commissioner at the time, Lieutenant-General Zukiswa Mbombo, Phiyega had taken political considerations into account when making decisions on how to handle the Marikana crisis. According to the Institute for Security Studies, the answers to the problems facing the police service are to be found in the National Development Plan, which includes proposed changes to the appointment of the National Commissioner and senior police officers – changes that according to the Institute for Security Studies’ Gareth Newham will ensure only candidates with experience in policing are recommended for leadership positions, thereby depoliticising the appointment.

Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)