Friday, February 7, 2025

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Former Western Cape crime intelligence head’s revoked dismissal a ‘setback’ for SAPS consequence management

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes the revocation of the dismissal of Major General Mzwandile Tiyo – former Crime Intelligence Chief in the Western Cape – is a “staggering setback for the credibility of SAPS’ consequence management systems” after Tiyo was charged with kidnapping and assault as well as abusing state resources.

Lisa Schickerling, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police, said the DA will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police to request the appearance of National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to answer serious questions about the integrity and effectiveness of the SAPS consequence management system after the Portfolio Committee on Police was informed by Committee Chairperson, DA MP Ian Cameron, that Tiyo had his dismissal revoked, without explanation.

Tiyo was subjected to an inquiry, declared unfit to hold office, and eventually dismissed from his position in August 2024.  His dismissal followed allegations that he lost his laptop and firearm, and then abused crime intelligence resources to find those who stole these items.  He was further charged with kidnapping and assaulting the suspects after tracking them down.

“Tiyo’s dismissal in August 2024 was a welcome signal that misconduct within the SAPS – even at the highest level – will no longer be taken lightly.  It marked a significant step in reclaiming public trust in our law enforcement agencies,” Schickerling said.

“However, this latest revelation, that Tiyo’s dismissal has now been revoked in the dead of night, is a staggering setback for the credibility of SAPS’ consequence management systems,” she said. “It was also revealed to the Portfolio Committee that Tiyo has now been encouraged to apply for early retirement instead, notwithstanding that the SAPS’ National Instruction is clear that employees with pending criminal or departmental cases against them will not be allowed to apply for early retirement, unless recommended by, amongst others, the National Commissioner.  The DA maintains that the shocking level of misconduct that Tiyo has been found guilty of absolutely disqualifies him from such a dispensation.”

“The integrity of the South African Police Service will be in serious disrepute if the SAPS continue in the trajectory of only playing lip-service to the intention to root out rogue elements within the service. The necessary public trust between the people and the SAPS will further be eroded by such illogical actions that are seemingly counterintuitive,” said Cameron in a committee statement late last month.

“The committee’s concerns are based on the common need for a rebuilding of the SAPS to become a potent tool to combat crime. While it is encouraging that the SAPS is finally making headway in fighting crime and people are starting to have hope of a crime-free country, such actions destroy the good intentions to rebuild and strengthen the SAPS. The unfortunate thing is that such actions negatively affect the morale of the good officers within the service and the people on the ground continue to suffer under the tremendous stress induced by crime, when taxpayer’s monies must now be used to finance lost salaries and pension payouts.”

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