Phiyega's cop shuffle stymied

Embattled national police commissioner Riah Phiyega's attempts to sideline two of her senior officers have been scuppered.

In two judgments handed down in the Johannesburg Labour Court this week, Phiyega was criticised for her "complete failure" to adhere to the labour laws.

Central to the judgments is Phiyega's attempt to sideline two of her six deputies.

Deputy national commissioners Godfrey Lebeya and Leah Mofomme were earmarked for sideways moves as part of Phiyega's restructuring of the police's top structures.

She started the restructuring in August, announcing that the number of deputy national commissioners would be reduced from six to three "for operational reasons".

Lebeya, an advocate, oversees crime intelligence and detective services.

Mofomme, who has a PhD, oversees human resources.

Together the two have over 60 years of experience in the police.

Both were earmarked for retrenchment after they reportedly refused to be transferred.

Phiyega ordered Lebeya to take up the post of head of the police research institute, which had not yet been established.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said the goal of the restructuring was to "enhance the SAPS's overall efficiency and performance".

"Over the past six months there have been discussions with executive managers with regard to their new roles. Unfortunately, these didn't yield the desired results with regard to some of the managers.

"Lebeya and Mofomme opted not to accept the new roles and will leave the SAPS."

Phiyega invited Lebeya to a "consultation meeting" after Monday's judgment.

The SA Police Union is fighting Phiyega's restructuring plans.

Union president Mpho Kwinika questioned the dismissals.

"Do you fire first and then consult? We believe these moves are not about governance but are political. Why get rid of highly skilled people like these?"

Judge Robert Lagrange ordered that Lebeya's dismissal be suspended pending consultations and ruled that the state pay his legal costs.

"On the evidence, there appears to have been a complete failure to invoke a consultation process," the judge said.