Marikana shooting used as a witch hunt against me: Phiyega

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) charges of defeating the ends of justice are concerning and opportunistic according to former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega.

Ipid decided to press criminal charges against Phiyega and three other officials for their roles in the Marikana shootings on August 12, 2012.

"I find yesterday's announcement by acting head of Ipid Israel Kgamanyane that charges are to brought against me for allegedly defeating the ends of justice very concerning and opportunistic," said Phiyega.

She said that the tragic event has been used as a witch hunt against her.

"The tragic events of Marikana remain a source of national pain for all of us as a nation. They are a cause for deep reflection. I'm therefore saddened that such a tragic event continues to get used as a witch hunt against me and others for inexplicable and undeclared personalised vendettas.

"Since my suspension last year in October 2015, I have watched with both shock and disappointment at the relentless campaign to harass and convict me in a court of public opinion without regard for any due process," she said.

She says the sudden announcement to bring charges against her before the investigations are complete shows that there is a campaign by people in the police ministry that seeks to "harass, slander and vilify" her.

"I can confirm that once more that despite the public pronouncements by Ipid, I have not only been informed via the media yesterday and today, I have not been approached by Ipid to be apprised of my charges or atleast to be requested to give a warning statement.

"I truly believe that my rights as a citizen are violated. The deliberate and orchestrated character assassination is meant to destroy my credibility and reputation. But most profoundly, it is aimed at diverting my attention and resources from focusing on preparation for the enquiry that has been instituted by the President into my fitness to hold office."

Ipid lays charges against Phiyega and three others

Ipid announced on Tuesday that it has registered cases against four people involved in the Marikana shootings‚ including Phiyega and former North West commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo.

Ipid acting director Israel Kgamanyane told Parliament’s portfolio committee on police that the team tasked with implementing the Farlam Commission’s findings had registered criminal charges against Phiyega and Mbombo in September.

Cases of defeating the ends of justice were registered in January against Brigadier Ledile Malahlela and Major-General Ganasen Naidoo.

Malahlela‚ who did not testify at the Farlam Commission due to a stress disorder‚ is being charged following the disappearance of a memory stick containing the minutes and recordings of an extraordinary meeting held by South African Police Service (SAPS) officials where the decision to act against striking workers at Marikana was taken.