Phiyega and deputy national commissioner for human resources Magda Stander were briefing the parliamentary portfolio committee on policing yesterday about police policy on promotions.

It turned out that there was no formal promotions policy.

The police have been plagued by reports of nepotism in the awarding of promotions.

Stander said promotions were decided on the candidate's suitability and qualifications.

However, she said a formal policy on promotions would be in place by April.

"I have not indicated that there is no nepotism. We have policies but the implementation is not followed to the tee," she said.

DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard and COPE MP Mluleki George attacked the police structure.

"Your members are deeply demoralised because posts are simply filled," said Kohler Barnard.

George said police managers should be held accountable when allegations of nepotism and corruption were made.

Recent claims of nepotism involved the appointment of several family members of Richard Mdluli, the suspended crime intelligence boss. They allegedly include his wife, girlfriend, son and daughter.

"Who controls the hiring of the members in crime intelligence. Who allowed the hiring of Richard Mdluli's entire extended family?" asked Kohler Barnard.

Stander said the hiring process was open and sometimes family members linked to senior managers applied for a promotion.

She said that, when managers faced a conflict of interest, they were instructed to recuse themselves from the selections process.

The committee's acting chairman, Annalize van Wyk, said it had been made aware that national instructions were simply ignored.

"There is no consequence for not adhering," she said.

Phiyega promised to look into the issues raised within her first 100 days in office.