Media statement 14 February 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
The City of Tshwane has issued dismissal letters to two Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officials who were found guilty of serious misconduct, including extortion. An additional five officials have also been issued with written warnings.
Disciplinary proceedings against the two officials started in February and August 2023, respectively. While it may look concerning that it took the City nearly a year in one case and six months in the other to get to this point, it is important to note that the illegal strike action placed an additional burden on Group Human Capital Management, which was key to the proceedings.
We are duty bound to use every avenue to ensure that officials who break the law, face the necessary consequences. As such, I have instructed the recently appointed Chief of Police Yolanda Faro to bring back discipline and re-establish strong command and control. While this feat may seem like a drop in the ocean, it signifies an end to the era of impunity within the TMPD and I believe these outcomes will assist her to shape the department. Sadly, some of these officials are suspects in criminal cases that will be heard in court soon.
With the support of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Cilliers Brink, and the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Kingsley Wakelin, regular meetings have been held with the relevant departments to ensure that misbehaviour and criminal actions are met with adequate and decisive action from the City’s side.
Together with Cllr Wakelin, I will continue to work with the TMPD and Group Human Capital Management to ensure that these matters are investigated and that disciplinary proceedings are instituted and completed within acceptable time frames.
Victims of crime at the hands of TMPD officials can open a criminal case at their nearest police station, report the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at gauteng@ipid.gov.za and report it to the TMPD Integrity Unit on 083 657 2998.
Enquiries:
Ald Grandi Theunissen (grandit@tshwane.gov.za)
Cllr Kingsley Wakelin (kingsleysw@tshwane.gov.za)