The police's crime intelligence unit allegedly tortured mineworkers to establish whether expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema incited them to violence at Lonmin's Marikana mine, it was reported on Sunday.
Colonel Nkosana "Killer" Ximba made the incitement claim to his superiors, reported The City Press.
Asked about the alleged torture, he said: "Did you see me there? Go and do an investigation before talking such rubbish".
Ximba has been implicated in the death of Oupa Ramogibe, the love rival of suspended police crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. Charges have been withdrawn pending an inquest currently underway.
On August 16, police fired on striking miners, killing 34 and wounding 78. Another 270 were arrested.
The City Press report was based on information from two official sources, which claimed standard procedure was not followed when the miners were booked out of their cells.
It reported that the State Security Agency was asked to investigate the incitement claim, but could not verify it.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate told the newspaper it was probing allegations of police assaults at five police stations, but was not aware of the torture claim.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 