Tag Archives: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police

“No intelligence-led strategy to fight gang-related crimes”

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said he has sent a letter to the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, requesting to get an update on the internal investigation following the Judgement of 17 March 2022, by Daniel Thulare that raised serious concerns of possible infiltration of the South African Police Service (SAPS) by gangs in the Western Cape.

Following the assurance made on 1 December 2023 to the 6th Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, the internal investigation has been long standing and assertions made in that judgement have a far reaching impact on the credibility of the SAPS to deal effectively with gang violence in the area.

“The continued violence and murders in the Cape Flats and the lethargic response by the SAPS seem to give credence to the assertions made in the Thulare Judgement. The finalisation of that investigation and the prosecution of officers identified to have worked with the gangs is necessary to curtail the violence in the area.

“There is a concern regarding the continued gang violence in the Cape Flats, where this weekend alone, a number of incidents of murder and attempted murder happened. The continued violence in the Cape Flats requires coordinated, proactive and intelligence led interventions,” he said.

Cameron further said the violence in the Cape Flats this past weekend is symptomatic of the deficiencies within the SAPS operations in the area, which require re-imagination of the interventions to ensure safety and security of the people of the area. He added that it is simply unacceptable and unfair for the people of the Cape Flats that they continue to be subjected to lethargic, haphazard approaches currently followed by the SAPS in the area.

“The finalisation of that investigation will assist to root out rogue elements within the SAPS and give the people hope that operations to deal effectively with gang violence are being implemented.

“There is no single solution to the violence and currently, the SAPS are seemingly operating without a tangible intelligence-led strategy, minimal proactive and limited disruptive and deterrence operations in the area,” said Cameron.

He said that has led to a dangerous environment conducive for criminal activity. According to Cameron, the Thulare Judgement that highlighted the possible infiltration of the SAPS by gangs in the Western Cape, has not been responded to adequately by SAPS management and this directly impacts the morale of the ethical police officers in the area.

“Furthermore, the lack of intelligence operatives undermines the work of the SAPS in the area. As a result, I am of the considered view that an update on the investigation is necessary and that the SAPS management must put plans in place to disrupt the scourge of crime in the area.

“We are also concerned by the brutal killing of six people in Umlazi Township, outside Durban on Saturday. The scourge of murders in the country highlighted the concern with the proliferation of illegal firearms countrywide. The majority of murders are perpetrated using illegal firearms and the SAPS management must intensify operations aimed at removing these firearms from the streets,” he said.

Cameron calls on the SAPS management to intensify investigations to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and prosecuted. 

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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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‘Swift action against alleged rapist a standard for policing GBV cases’ 

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

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has lauded the South African Police Service’s Atlantis Visible Policing Unit and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the swift action taken to apprehend an alleged rapist in the Atlantis area in the Western Cape. 

Cameron has highlighted that the swift action by members of the units led to the arrest of the perpetrator and have set the standard for action required from the SAPS, if it is to win the fight against the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

“The dedication displayed by Constable October and Constable Vigeland from Atlantis VISPOL, and Constable Julies from Cape Town FCS is truly remarkable. 

“Their swift action and determination represent the best that is needed to reclaim the credibility of SAPS and highlights what is needed in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” he said. 

Cameron further said it is reported that a victim led the police to a remote farm, where she was held captive and repeatedly raped for approximately four months before she was able to escape. 

He added that the committee has emphasised that members of SAPS must take immediate action to investigate and arrest perpetrators of GBV cases and must treat the victims with compassion and empathy. 

“This is the standard we expect and the SAPS members have shown that this can be done. We call for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted for this heinous crime. 

“I have on behalf of the committee dispatched a letter to the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to highlight our appreciation for the work of the three SAPS members and have highlighted the good standard that these officers have upheld,” said Cameron. 

He has also called for psycho-social assistance for the victim to assist them to deal with this ordeal.

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SAPS senior instructor dismissed for allegedly raping a female trainee 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said that the dismissal of a senior instructor at the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Philippi Training Academy on allegations of rape against a female trainee, is a good start to rid SAPS of members exposing themselves to misconduct and crime. 

In response to a letter sent by Cameron, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has informed the Chairperson that a disciplinary process was concluded, which recommended the dismissal of the senior instructor.

“The dismissal of the disgraced instructor is a strong indication of the drive to root out criminals within the SAPS. It is also a strong message that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will not be tolerated within the SAPS and in the country in general. 

“The need for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conclude the investigation to ensure effective prosecution of the matter. While the officer has been arrested and is now out on bail, the completion of the investigation is critical to ensure that effective prosecution happens,” he said.

Cameron further said the Committee has identified the fight against GBV as one of its critical areas of focus for the 7thparliament and is committed to ensuring effective oversight over the work of the SAPS as it relates to the scourge of GBV in the country.

He added that it is unacceptable that those in positions of authority can abuse financial resources and trainees and every effort must be made to hold those in power accountable.  

“The speedy conclusion of the investigation will go a long way in efforts to reclaim the credibility of the SAPS. The Committee has confidence in the Minister of Police’s efforts to root out corrupt elements within the SAPS,” said Cameron.   

Meanwhile, on allegations of criminality and mismanagement at the Philippi Training Academy, the Minister has assured the Chairperson that the allegations are being investigated and feedback will be provided in due course.

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