Thapelo Molefe
Western Cape Crime Intelligence head Major-General Mzwandile Tiyo has been fired after an investigation found he abused state resources for personal gain.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais confirmed on Tuesday that Tiyo’s dismissal followed a section 34 inquiry into his fitness to hold office after allegations 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.
Parliament’s portfolio committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, welcomed Tiyo’s dismissal from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and said the dismissal was evidence that any form of misconduct within the police would not be tolerated.
“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,” Cameron said.
Cameron said the fact that the states’ assets were stolen at a tavern pointed to the disregard Tiyo held for his office, and his further misconduct exacerbated the situation.
“It is unacceptable that a law enforcement officer unilaterally abused state resources to hide his misdeeds,” he said.
Cameron has been advocating for the completion of the criminal investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served and that the rule of law reigns.
He said 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 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,” Cameron concluded.
He congratulated the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu for the actual implementation of the promises he made when he delivered the 7th administration’s priorities.
Meanwhile, police minister spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the investigation was an internal one, and refused to provide further details.
“This is an internal departmental matter. No comment will be provided at this stage,” Mathe said.
Tiyo was also implicated in the murder of Anti-Gang Unit officer Charl Kinnear and, after public complaints, he was under official investigation for corruption in his crime intelligence unit.
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