The head of crime intelligence in the Western Cape Mzwandile Tiyo has been dismissed from the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on police, Ian Cameron, welcomed Tiyo’s dismissal.
“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 it will assure the people that SAPS will conduct their work ethically and within the code of conduct,” said Cameron.
Section 34 inquiry into fitness for office
He said the dismissal of Tiyo follows a Section 34 inquiry to establish his fitness to hold office. This following allegations that he lost both a laptop and a firearm. He allegedly used crime intelligence resources to find the people who had stolen them and assaulted them.
“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.