Western Cape Crime Intelligence head Mzwandile Tiyo.
Police have refused to shed light on the dismissal of Western Cape Crime Intelligence head Mzwandile Tiyo, saying this was an internal matter.
The dismissal followed a Section 34 inquiry after allegations emerged that he lost both a laptop and a firearm and used crime-intelligence resources to find the people who had stolen them and assaulted them.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said the dismissal of Tiyo was proof that misconduct would not be tolerated within the service. The police ministry declined to comment on the matter on Tuesday.
Police minister spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said: “This is an internal departmental matter. No comment will be provided at this stage.”
Cameron said: “The dismissal of Tiyo is tangible proof that misconduct of any form will not be accepted within the service.
“This is the first step in regaining credibility in the eyes of the community and will assure the people that SAPS will conduct their work ethically and within the code of conduct.
“It is unacceptable that a law-enforcement officer unilaterally abused state resources to hide their misdeeds.
The fact that the state assets were stolen at a tavern point to sheer disregard for the office he holds,” said Cameron.
Cameron called for the completion of the criminal investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served and that the rule of law reigns.
“The portfolio committee is steadfast in its belief that one of the first pillars in repositioning the SAPS is the removal of rogue and unethical police officers who negatively impact on the credibility of the police.
“This is a good start, and we hope many similar actions will be taken against other officers that operate outside of the code of conduct and the law,” said Cameron.
Cape Times
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