Riah Phiyega Biography: Age, Husband, Current Job, Children, Net Worth, Qualifications, News, Salary

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Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega SOEG (born 29 May 1958), popularly known as Riah Phiyega, is a famous South African police officer.

She made history as the first woman to take on the role National Police Commissioner of the South African Police Service. Her appointment to this important position took place on 12 June 2012, under the chairmanship of Jacob Zuma.

Riah Phiyega served as national commissioner from 2015 to 2017, marking a groundbreaking moment as the first woman to hold this esteemed position in the South African Police Service.

However, her tenure was overshadowed by many controversies. Riah Phiyega faced criticism for his handling of the 2012 Marikana massacre, where 34 miners died. Additionally, she came under scrutiny for her management of the 2015 taxi violence in Cape Town.

Former national commissioner of the South African Police Service

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Riah Phiyega: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos
Wiki Info & About Data
First and last name: Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega
Stage name: Riah Phiyega
Born: May 29, 1958 (66 years old)
Place of birth: Polokwane, South Africa
Nationality: South Africa
Education: University of Limpopo, University of South Africa, University of Johannesburg
Height: 1.61 m
Parents: Rebecca Moloisi, GJ Moloisi
Siblings: Matilda Moloisi, Abigail Moloisi
Couple: Elias Phiyega
Boyfriend • Partner: do not apply
Children: 3
Job: Police
Net value: 400,000 USD-1 million USD (USD)

Early Life & Education

Born on May 29, 1958, in Leolo, Limpopo, South Africa, Riah Phiyega comes from a small community. Her educational journey began with regular train journeys from her Polokwane residence to Johannesburg. Despite her humble beginnings, the young girl was determined to pursue her studies at school Leoolo High Schoollaid the foundation for her future achievements.

Raised with two older sisters, Matilda Moloisi and Abigail Moloisi, Riah Phiyega was born to parents Rebecca Moloisi and GJ Moloisi. She continued her studies at Northern Universityis now called University of Limpopoearn a Bachelor’s degree in social work.

Complementing this, Riah Phiyega holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from University of South Africa and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the school University of Johannesburg.

Career

Riah Phiyega began her career with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1980, as a police officer. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of lieutenant general in 2010. Her journey in the SAPS included serving as the National Deputy Commissioner for Human Resource Management and Training, marking a important step before being nominated as a National Commissioner.

Her career trajectory extended beyond law enforcement, as she played a key role in the restructuring of Portnet, an organization she joined after SAPS. As a member of the senior management team, Riah Phiyega contributed significantly to the division of Portnet into two independent units: Port Operations and Port Authority. She then joined the executive team of the South African National Ports Authority.

In addition to her law enforcement and port-related roles, Riah Phiyega also serves in a variety of leadership positions. She was chair of Production House (1998–1999), a board member of Connex Travel (1997–2000), a trustee of the Satchwell Road Accident Commission (2000–2002), a member of the co-host of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa (2002–2010), and chair of the Presidential State Review Commission (2010–2012).

Appointed national police commissioner in 2012 by President Jacob Zuma, Riah Phiyega succeeded Bheki Cele. However, her tenure faced many challenges, especially the suspension following the 2012 Marikana massacre, which left protesting miners dead. Although she did not face corruption charges, she was dismissed in 2015, marking the end of her term as National Commissioner.

Awards & Nominations

  • South African Police Service 10th Anniversary Medal
  • South African Police Service World Cup 2010 Support Award

Social Media

  • Instagram handle: RIAH (@riahthegirl)

Personal life

Riah Phiyega, a 66-year-old law enforcement officer, was in a marital relationship with Elias Phiyega and together raised a family of three children.

With a marital journey spanning more than 25 years, Riah and Elias Phiyega have built a life together and enjoyed the joys of parenthood, expanding their legacy to include three more children. In addition to being a parent, Riah Phiyega is also proud of her role as a grandmother.

Net value

Riah Phiyega’s net worth is estimated to be between $400,000 and $1 million. Despite his successful law enforcement career, Phiyega endured controversy and criticism during his time as National Police Commissioner.

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