Johannesburg – Provincial police commissioners have full confidence in national commissioner Riah Phiyega’s ability to perform her job, the SA Police Service said on Thursday.

National spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale said the provincial commissioners met on Wednesday and discussed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) investigation into Phiyega.

 

“The provincial commissioners noted the support and leadership provided by the national commissioner despite the current circumstances,” Makgale said.

 

“As part of the leadership team, the provincial commissioners remain committed to fighting crime and ensuring that all decisions taken at various management levels are implemented. The provincial commissioners have full confidence in the national commissioner.”

 

‘Business as usual’

 

The commissioners said they wanted to reassure the country that they would work hard and ensure that “on the ground, it is business as usual”.

 

“In other words, the matter involving the national commissioner will not impact on the day-to-day management of crime.”

 

Last month, the Ipid said it would investigate allegations that Phiyega tipped off Western Cape commissioner Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer about an investigation against him by crime intelligence.

 

According to reports, Phiyega told Lamoer on three occasions that she was aware he was under investigation.

 

The Sunday Independent reported that their telephone conversations had been legally recorded by crime intelligence operatives monitoring Lamoer’s calls.

 

Phiyega denied tipping-off Lamoer.

 

Makgale said the commissioners also met Phiyega on Wednesday, as part of the final board of commissioners (BOC) meeting for 2013.

 

The meeting discussed the overall state of crime over the past six months and noted with concern the number of murders reported.

 

“These murders are closely associated with the abuse of alcohol and other social ills,” Makgale said.

 

“The BOC committed itself to ensuring that the crime prevention and combating initiatives for the festive season, which have already been implemented, pays special attention to this.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAPA