Tag Archives: Ian Cameron

Concerns regarding discrepancies in case involving the arrest of ‘armed’ suspects   

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, today expressed serious concerns regarding significant discrepancies in the case involving the arrest of suspects allegedly found in possession of high-calibre firearms in Cape Town earlier this week. Cameron said according to the initial report issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), eight suspects were arrested during a raid on Monday.

He further said the police also seized six AK-47 rifles, eight pistols and ammunition. Cameron added that, however, it is alleged that the official docket only records six suspects, six rifles and six pistols.

“While the arrest of suspects for possession of illegal firearms is welcomed, particularly in the context of the alleged intended use of these weapons, it is deeply concerning that official information reflects only six suspects and six pistols. This is clearly inconsistent with the SAPS’s original report.

“We noted that information now shows that suspects have been released without clarity on who authorised the release or the status of the confiscated firearms. These developments undermine public confidence in the police, particularly in crime-affected areas such as the Cape Flats,” he said.

Cameron said it is unacceptable that SAPS initially announced the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of eight pistols, yet two suspects and two pistols are now unaccounted for in the official record. He said this kind of discrepancy, or worse, possible tampering, raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within the SAPS.

“These raise concern about the regulation of security companies’ access to firearms amid allegations that rogue security companies arm criminals, including hitmen. We will urgently seek clarification from the SAPS on who authorised the release of the suspects?

“We need clarity on where the missing two pistols are, are all firearms from the operation accounted for? Also, what measures are being taken to ensure accurate, reliable and transparent reporting by SAPS? The Cape Flats continues to endure violent crime, gang-related killings and mass shootings,” said Cameron.

He said the public cannot be expected to place their confidence in law enforcement, if inconsistencies and a lack of follow-through mar such serious cases. Cameron reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within SAPS and the broader Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

“The committee will also engage SAPS leadership to ensure this matter is addressed with the urgency it demands. Efforts to remove illegal firearms from our streets are critical, but those efforts must be undertaken with integrity.

“When discrepancies like this arise, they threaten to undo the very progress we aim to make,” he said.

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Cameron welcomes collaboration between DPWI and SAPS

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, welcomes the announcement of the initiation of discussions between the Ministers of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on how the DPWI can better support the police. Cameron said the initiation of interactions on a ministerial level is critical as it positively responds to recommendations by the portfolio committee that the DPWI provides enhanced support to SAPS.

He further said this was based on the deplorable conditions that members are exposed to at station level, which negatively impacts the overall morale and appetite to combat crime. Cameron added that, is cognisant of fiscal challenges currently facing all government departments, but remains of the view that there are low-hanging fruits that the DPWI can address to improve working conditions of SAPS.

“For example, the issue of maintenance is crucial and the removal of bureaucratic impediments that delay implementation should be resolved. Also, we highlighted the need for better project management in development projects for police stations.

“For example, it is unacceptable that building a police station takes 12 years, similar to the delays experienced in Vuwani, Limpopo. While we acknowledged the meeting as instructive, we emphasised that what is needed is the actual implementation of resolutions that arise out of the engagement,” said Cameron.

He said the implementation has always been a drawback in South Africa and they hope that this engagement will lead to faster implementation of interventions. Camerona said the committee will await tangible and actionable plans on how the DPWI will improve its services to the SAPS to enable the committee to monitor implementation.

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Eight SAPS VIP Protection Unit allegedly assaulted citizens on N1 road acquitted

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Picture: The SAPS VIP Unit allegedly assaulting citizens on N1 road

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 May 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has learned with shock and dismay of the acquittal, in a South African Police Service (SAPS) internal disciplinary process, of the eight members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1.

Cameron said it is of the considered view that the ruling is shameful, indefensible and immoral. He further said the acquittal of the members is not only a miscarriage of justice, but also puts the name and image of the SAPS into disrepute.

“Furthermore, this decision strengthens the public perception of SAPS officers being and acting above the law. This decision lacks legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered.

“With the worsening trust deficit between the police and communities, such decisions will further erode the low levels of trust that exist between the police and the people,” said Cameron.

He added that, the ruling entrenches the long-held committee’s view that internal disciplinary mechanisms within SAPS are inadequate and rewards rogue officers. Cameron also said, this decision will further cement the public’s perception of a complete disregard of consequence management within the SAPS.

“This case was an instance of “a thief being caught with the stolen goods”, as there was clear evidence from footage showing the perpetrators kicking a defenceless civilian while brandishing high-calibre firearms.

“The portfolio committee had previously raised concerns about the slow pace of the disciplinary process, but the decision reached today gives the impression of a badly performed tick-box exercise,” he said.

Cameron said this decision sends a wrong message to all South Africans about the lack of recourse when SAPS members abuse their authority. He said it also portrays a SAPS that lacks compassion and care for victims of abuse, one that is preoccupied with protecting each other and not the citizens.

“In addition, the role played by labour unions in stalling the case has undermined due process. This was not due process, but weaponised bureaucracy funded by taxpayers. What is even more infuriating is that the SAPS paid an amount of over R112 000 just for the Chairperson’s expense, which should be classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

“As a result, I will, on behalf of the committee, write to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to demand an explanation from the Minister of Police for this outcome, on behalf of the nation and for the victims,” said Cameron.

He said the committee will, for its part, consider legislative reforms to end the abuse of internal processes in SAPS and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases. Cameron said they cannot accept a SAPS that protects thugs in uniform.

“We will not sit silently, while the rule of law is trampled upon behind closed doors,” he said.

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The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron welcomes the dismissal of Head of Crime Intelligence   

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has welcomed the dismissal of the Head of Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape, Mzwandile Tiyo, from the South African Police Service (SAPS). Cameron said the dismissal follows a Section 34 inquiry to establish his fitness to hold office following 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.

“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.

“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 will assure the people that SAPS will conduct their work ethically and within the code of conduct,” he said.

Cameron further call for the completion of the criminal investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served and that the rule of law reigns. He added that 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 on 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. We congratulate the Minister of Police for actual implementation of the promises he made when he delivered the 7th administration’s priorities,” said Cameron.

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