The Star reports that the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (Seri) has demanded answers from former police commissioner Riah Phiyega concerning the involvement of a strong contingent of police in what was a labour dispute at Marikana in 2012.

Seri executive director Nomzamo Zondo said the institute was outraged at the attempt by Phiyega to have the findings of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, concerning her role in the Marikana massacre, set aside. Seri accused Phiyega of hiding crucial information concerning the events of the massacre and possibly protecting some people. “She is trying to escape responsibility for what happened in the massacre, and also attempting to ignore and avoid the consequences of her actions – before and after the massacre. There was a meeting of the national management team of SAPS and we know a decision was made that on the next day – that come what may, the miners should be removed from the mountain and we know that decision is the reason 34 families are without their loved ones,” Zondo stated. She said the strong police involvement in the matter showed that there could have been greater forces involved, such as the influence of a politician. Judge Natvarlal Ranchod recently dismissed Phiyega’s attempt to set aside the findings made by retired Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Ian Farlam, which included that the police leadership had colluded to cover up what really happened at Marikana.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Star

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