Zuma to institute inquiry into Phiyega's fitness to hold office

This follows allegations of misconduct, her lack of fitness to hold office and her ability to execute her duties efficiently. 

 

Presidency spokesperson Bongani Majola confirms Zuma took the decision following recommendations made by the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, which was instituted following the death of 44 people, including 34 mineworkers at the Lonmin Mine in Marikana in August 2012.

 

 

Zuma has also afforded Phiyega an opportunity to make written representations to him as to why she should not be placed on suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry. 

 

Meanwhile, the DA says an inquiry into Phiyega's fitness to hold office is "long overdue". 

 

DA shadow minister of police, Dianne Kohler Barnard, says suspending Phiyega pending the inquiry would be the right thing to do. 

 

"I'm wary of police personnel who are left in their position when under investigation. It gives them the opportunity to use an enormous budget to prop up their case and also, if necessary, involve themselves in terms of evidence."

 

File photo: Gallo Images