NATIONAL Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega was grilled again yesterday about passing the buck on her subordinates over the Marikana massacre despite her being the accounting officer.
However, Phiyega said the only concept that applied to her was delegation, and that it did not amount to "passing the buck" as suggested by Advocate Dali Mpofu, who is representing some of the survivors of the August 16 police shootings.
"The fact that certain powers may or may not be delegated to other people does not absolve you as the ultimate accounting officer," Mpofu said.
This was in relation to Phiyega's refusal to answer some questions but deferred them to her commanders who were on the ground and executed a tactical phase of the operation, which led to police firing live ammunition at striking mineworkers, killing 34.
Phiyega denied that all her answers were calculated to absolve herself.
"It was merely to say, if looking for specific answers, members are available to answer," she said.
Mpofu noted that Phiyega was not present at the time of the shooting and relied on being briefed, but said the buck stopped with her and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
Mpofu explained that certain powers could not be delegated.
He said he had evidence that Mthethwa and Phiyega could have taken decisions on Marikana, based on Cyril Ramaphosa's e-mail correspondence with Lonmin management, which indicated that Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu would engage Mthethwa to "act in a more pointed way" on the Marikana matter. - hlabathih@sowetan.co.za
Phiyega slated for 'passing the buck'
NATIONAL Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega was grilled again yesterday about passing the buck on her subordinates over the Marikana massacre despite her being the accounting officer.
However, Phiyega said the only concept that applied to her was delegation, and that it did not amount to "passing the buck" as suggested by Advocate Dali Mpofu, who is representing some of the survivors of the August 16 police shootings.
"The fact that certain powers may or may not be delegated to other people does not absolve you as the ultimate accounting officer," Mpofu said.
This was in relation to Phiyega's refusal to answer some questions but deferred them to her commanders who were on the ground and executed a tactical phase of the operation, which led to police firing live ammunition at striking mineworkers, killing 34.
Phiyega denied that all her answers were calculated to absolve herself.
"It was merely to say, if looking for specific answers, members are available to answer," she said.
Mpofu noted that Phiyega was not present at the time of the shooting and relied on being briefed, but said the buck stopped with her and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
Mpofu explained that certain powers could not be delegated.
He said he had evidence that Mthethwa and Phiyega could have taken decisions on Marikana, based on Cyril Ramaphosa's e-mail correspondence with Lonmin management, which indicated that Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu would engage Mthethwa to "act in a more pointed way" on the Marikana matter. - hlabathih@sowetan.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos