POPCRU stands by Marikana officers
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, POPCRU, says they are standing by the SAPS members who are being charged in connection with the Marikana massacre.
In a statement, the union says it has noted the update by President Jacob Zuma on steps taken by departments to implement Farlam Commission recommendations in response to the Marikana deaths four years ago, where both striking miners and police officers lost their lives.
POPCRU also states that they will represent the accused police officials if the South African Police Service doesn't.
"The principle of innocent until proven guilty should respectively be observed in this matter," POPCRU says.
ALSO READ: NPA: Marikana investigations ongoing
This comes after the presidency confirmed that they are implementing the findings of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana Massacre.
"We remain hopeful that the Police Ministerial Transformation Task Team's review of all SAPS policies and operational standards that disadvantage police officers' working environment, living conditions and career progression will be adequately addressed in improving the overall functionality of this important component, and that mining companies across the board increase their efforts in improving the needs of their employees," the union says.