Crime intelligence chief dismissed for misconduct

Mzwandile Tiyo, the head of crime intelligence in the Western Cape, has been dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after an inquiry determined his unfitness to hold office. The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Parliament welcomes Tiyo’s dismissal

The chairperson of parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, welcomed the dismissal of the head of crime intelligence. He said that it 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.”
Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police

Dismissal follows a Section 34 inquiry

The dismissal follows a Section 34 inquiry to establish Tiyo’s fitness to hold office following misconduct allegations. He lost both a laptop and a firearm belonging to the state. Tiyo left the pistol and laptop in the back of his car and went into a tavern in Mbekweni. Some person or people then stole them from his vehicle. He used crime intelligence resources to find the people who had stolen them. Mzwandile Tiyo was also accused of assaulting the suspects, as reported in a media statement from parliament.

Cameron said that criminal proceedings, which include charges of kidnapping and corruption, are also still ongoing.

He also said that 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.

This is Major General Mzwandile Tiyo, the ex-head of @SAPoliceService crime intelligence in Western Cape. He left his pistol and laptop in the back of his car and went into a tavern in Mbekweni in the Western Cape just a few months ago.

The gun and laptop were both stolen. SAPS… pic.twitter.com/ePM04DXMTG— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) March 18, 2024

Government will not tolerate SAPS corruption says Police Minister

In a government media statement the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, noted with concern and disappointment the issue of corruption involving members of the SAPS.

Minister Mchunu stated the following: ‘Let me be unequivocally clear: corruption within our police service will not be tolerated. The actions of these individuals are a betrayal of the public’s trust and a violation of the very principles that the SAPS stands for – honour, integrity, and service’.

Commenting on crime and corruption within the Crime Intelligence unit specifically, Mchunu said: ‘We condemn their criminal activity in the strongest terms they deserve. Such conduct is not only criminal but deeply dishonourable’.

He assured the members of the public that the government will continue to get rid of any corruption if and where it may exist within the police service sector.