‘Riah Phiyega can’t be unfit alone’

Sir
The Congress of the People is very disturbed by the Commission’s Report findings, declaring that Police National Commissioner, Riah Phiyega, is unfit to hold that position.
We don’t believe it’s fair to her that she must shoulder all the blame for what happened at Marikana where 34 miners were massacred.
We have said on many occasions that Phiyega must not be made a scapegoat and to cover-up for senior leaders in Government.
The present ANC government is undermining the Constitution and regularly subverting due processes through manipulation and interference. There are very worried people who want to see her gone, but we know that her fierce determination to protect her name is making the government very nervous and anxious.
All of us know that the massacre at Marikana was too big to lay at the door of one person.
It is common knowledge that Cyril Ramaphosa was in close touch with Minister Nathi Mthethwa in the days leading up to the massacre.
These discussions must indeed have some bearing on the decision that was taken to employ live ammunition and to order hearses.
If the government’s role in the massacre is revealed, the damage it will suffer will be immense.
COPE believes that it can’t be that Riah Phiyega alone must take the fall. Nathi Mthethwa and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa must not only be declared unfit to hold their positions but must be charged for the massacre at Marikana.
Dennis Bloem
COPE spokesperson