Parliament, Monday, 9 December 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has called on South African Police Service (SAPS) senior management to desist from self-destructive behaviour that could derail the laudable progress already achieved to reform the SAPS into a potent tool to fight crime.
“There has been commendable progress in turning the tide against crime but worrying senior management appointments and the continued challenges facing the crime intelligence unit have the potential to derail the positive efforts to reform the SAPS. The SAPS management have to decide if they will contribute to building the country for a better future or they are breakers of this beautiful country,” Mr Cameron said.
Now that the committee has conducted about five months of oversight over the SAPS and various entities within the environment, it is clear that at the centre of some of the challenges facing the SAPS is the ineffectiveness of the senior management to drive the necessary reforms. This is now being exacerbated by the appointment of individuals who are unfit for purpose to drive the strategic interventions necessary to fight crime. “While we are not saying that all senior managers within SAPS are inadequate, the presence of rogue and inept officers weakens the stability of the entire organisation,” Mr Cameron highlighted.
The dismissal of the crime intelligence head in the Western Cape, Major-General Mzwandile Tiyo, earlier this year following a comprehensive Section 34 inquiry was seen as a pivotal moment in restoring credibility within the SAPS. The decision to remove him was based on serious allegations, including misuse of state resources for personal gain, kidnapping and assault. It sent a strong message that misconduct, even at the highest levels, would not be tolerated.
“However, the recent revocation of this dismissal raises serious concerns about SAPS’ commitment to accountability. Instead of facing the consequences of his actions, Tiyo is being encouraged to take early retirement, a move prohibited under SAPS National Instruction 3/2017 for employees with pending cases. This decision undermines public trust and the morale of ethical officers, as it appears to shield rogue elements from facing justice,” Mr Cameron highlighted.
Similarly, the irrational appointment Major-General Patrick Mbotho as Divisional Commissioner: National Priority Offences within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation also reaffirms the perception of untouchables within the service.
While the committee has noted the commitment and action against mainly junior SAPS officers, the commitment to remove unfit and rogue officers within the service must be cross cutting from senior to junior levels. “If we enhance trust levels in our officers the SAPS will be a step further in creating an environment conducive to fighting the scourge of crime,” Mr Cameron said.
The committee has also welcomed the reduction in crime statistics for the second quarter, but the gruesome murders across the country are worrying. Events including the 18 murders in Lusikisiki to the continuing gang violence in Cape Town highlighted the challenges the SAPS continue to face in fighting crime. These are exacerbated by the lack of adequate resources within the detective and crime intelligence unit.
The crime intelligence unit continues to be a concerning Achilles heel for the SAPS and urgency to resolve its challenges cannot be overemphasised. “The resistance to reforms within the SAPS crime intelligence unit is complicating matters further. One major-general has allegedly been “off sick” since 2017, frustrating disciplinary hearings with delays, changing union representatives, and failing to submit supporting medical documents. Another major-general, reportedly a multimillionaire, has been linked to questionable procurements involving the secret service fund, media smear campaigns against his commander, and allegations of defeating the ends of justice in a cocaine seizure case. Both individuals are part of a faction resisting reform and seem determined to preserve access to the notorious slush fund,” Mr Cameron said.
Over the past five months, the committee has highlighted concerns about the scourge of extortions in South Africa, which have a negative socio-economic impact in a country that can ill-afford impediments to economic ventures such as infrastructure development and opening small businesses. The funding and operationalisation of counter plans is critical, and the committee will enhance oversight over this crime trend.
“The ultimate test will be how the SAPS management responds to areas of concern to ensure a safe and secure country. If they can overcome of these self-destructive actions, the SAPS could be on a route to the necessary recovery needed to combat crime,” Mr Cameron concluded.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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