Johannesburg - National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has broken her silence over the damning Farlam Commission report into the Marikana massacre.
In a statement on Sunday night, she defended herself and the police service, saying the police who were working to stabilise tension during the violent strike did not plan to kill the 34 miners in August 2012.
The report found her partially responsible for the massacre, but exonerated former Lonmin shareholder and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, former police minister Nathi Nhleko and former mineral resources minister Susan Shabangu.
Now Phiyega and former North West commissioner Lieutenant-General Zukiswa Mbombo are placed in the firing line with their fitness to hold office in question.
Phiyega said: “We strongly disagree with some of content of the report, such as the insinuation that management went to work that day with murderous intent.”
The police commissioner was adamant that the police could not be exclusively blamed for the massacre.
“It cannot be left up to the police alone to ensure strikes are free from violence. Our protest situation is marred by widespread violence, intimidation and a high degree of intolerance of those with opposing views.”
Although she acknowledged the report mentioned the striker’s violent approach, she felt more attention should have been placed on their conduct.
“In the few instances in which public violence was mentioned and sometimes condemned, it was portrayed as acts committed by a few rogue elements.”
She was referring specifically to the 10 people killed by the striking workers in the week leading up to the Marikana massacre. These included two officers, two Lonmin security guards and six miners.
The report found the strikers had promoted a confrontation, which then led to the deaths of the guards and non-striking workers.
“As the SAPS, we believe our society, and especially those in prominent positions, must continuously drive home the fact that violence must never characterise a strike. The carrying of dangerous weapons must be condemned. And those strikers who carry these weapons during strikes must be brought to account,” she said.
She also said strikers should bear in mind that non-striking colleagues had rights too and should not be harassed or assaulted should they decide not to take part in the strike.
In a bid to ensure that a fatal situation such as the Marikana tragedy does not repeat itself, Phiyega has called for more training for officers engaged in public policing and more resources.
To this end, the police have requested a R3.3 billion capital boost over four years which would provide for the re-opening of dormant public order policing units and the setting up of new ones.
“This will increase the number of units from 28 to 54, nearly doubling personnel to 8 000. The biggest benefit of enhanced units will be improved response time, particularly to spontaneous incidents, and better service,” said Phiyega.
Phiyega must meet a Friday deadline to tell Zuma why she is fit to hold office.
The Star