South Africa Police Chief Suspended Over Marikana

Riah Phiyega said police management did not have "murderous intent" on the day the striking miners were shot in 2012. (Photo: AFP)

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has suspended Police Chief Riah Phiyega, pending the outcome of an inquiry into her leadership during the Marikana incident in August 2012 when 34 striking mineworkers were killed. Police shot dead the miners at the Lonmin platinum mine, saying they were acting in self-defence.

The shooting was the most deadly police incident since the end of apartheid in 1994, and shocked the nation.

A statement from South Africa's presidency says the suspension of General Riah Phiyega is with immediate effect and on full pay.

BBC report continues:

"The suspension is to endure pending any decision that is made following upon the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into allegations of misconduct, her fitness to hold office and her capacity to execute official duties efficiently," it added.

The presidency said a three-member board would look into whether the police chief and other senior police officers had concealed information on decisions they took while handling the Marikana strike.

In July, a judge-led inquiry blamed her officers for the killing of the 34 miners in what became known as the Marikana massacre.

However, she defended herself at the time saying police management did not have "murderous intent" on the day the striking miners were shot in 2012.

Analysis: SA Police Chief Suspension

The suspension of South African Police Chief Riah Phiyega is significant because President Jacob Zuma is in essence implementing one of the recommendations of the Marikana Inquiry, headed by retired Judge Ian Farlam.

After 34 miners were gunned down at Lonmin platinum mine in August 2012, there were calls for the senior police officers, including the police commissioner, to resign.

The president then established the inquiry, which concluded in June 2015 that the police had a "defective" plan and lacked adequate training for the type of protest they were dealing with.

It also recommended that there be an inquiry into the Police Chief's fitness to hold office.

Mr Zuma came in for some criticism for appointing Ms Phiyega, who came from the corporate world and had no prior police background.

Gen Johannes Phahlane, a career policeman, has now been appointed as acting head of the police.