The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA is shocked by reports of National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s behaviour at yesterday’s hearings of the commission of inquiry into the Marikana massacre.

It was reported today that Phiyega was seen laughing and joking during the hearings shortly before and even after the footage of the shooting was shown.  This while the families wept.

When asked what she was joking about, she refused to comment.

This is not the first time Phiyega has shown utter disrespect for the families of those miners who were killed at Marikana. Shortly after the massacre, she commented at the funeral of one of the police officers killed at Marikana that the police, “should not feel sorry for their actions”.

This behaviour is highly inappropriate and insensitive.

We will be writing to the Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa today, asking that he instruct Phiyega to make a public apology.

This is not the behaviour one would expect from a public representative at a time which requires the utmost sensitivity and empathy for all who lost loved ones during that time.