DA: Suspend officers accused of torture
2012-08-26 22:11
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Johannesburg - The DA has called for the suspension of police officers who are accused of torturing Marikana protesters who are in custody.
Police opened fire while trying to disperse striking workers gathered on a hill near Lonmin's Marikana mine on 16 August, killing 34 of them and wounding 78.
Another 260 were arrested on a charge of public violence, and remain in custody.
"[National Police Commissioner General Riah] Phiyega must institute precautionary suspension for all members who have been linked to this police brutality pending the outcome of the investigation," said DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard on Sunday.
The City Press reported on Sunday that 194 cases had been opened against the police, including assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted murder.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had launched investigations in five police stations, the paper said.
The DA welcomed the IPID investigation, but accused Phiyega of being silent on the matter.
"This shows a clear lack of discipline and leadership from the top. National Police Commissioner General Phiyega needs to act quickly to restore order to our police service and suspend those officers involved," Kohler Barnard said.
In the week leading up to the shooting, another 10 people - including two police officers and two security guards - were killed in protests.
- SAPA
