SAPS Provincial Spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed in a statement that an officer attached to Swellendam SAPS has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of an internal process.
“In the interest of due process, SAPS will not be divulging further details pertaining to the matter at this stage,” Traut said in a statement.
“The suspension took effect during May 2026 and the matter is currently receiving the necessary attention from SAPS management,” Traut added.
News62 has learned that the officer in question is Swellendam SAPS Station Commander JJ Tiemie and that he was suspended in connection with alleged involvement in the local taxi industry.
Records in possession of News62 indicate that Tiemie had applied to become a member of the Swellendam and Bonnievale Taxi Association. The application was, however, reportedly made in his wife’s name.
The taxi in question is believed to be servicing workers of Power Construction at the new Overberg Wind Farm project near Swellendam.
The Overberg Wind Farm, located approximately 12 km west of Swellendam in the Western Cape, represents a total investment of more than R13 billion.
Under Section 46 of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995, police officials are prohibited from directly or indirectly owning or operating minibus taxis, in order to prevent conflicts of interest. Officers are not permitted to police an industry in which they have a financial interest.
Swellendam SAPS still operational
According to Traut, Swellendam SAPS remains operational under acting management and arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of policing services to the community are in place.
Traut did not confirm who the interim station commander is, but News62 has it on good authority that the officer currently in charge holds the rank of Warrant Officer.
Swellendam SAPS remains a strategically important station within the Overberg District and to this point Traut gave the assurance that service delivery would not be hampered.
“SAPS wishes to assure the public that policing at Swellendam SAPS has not been hampered in any way and that all operational responsibilities continue as normal,” Traut said.
“Processes are also underway to strengthen management capacity at the station where necessary.”
“SAPS remains committed to maintaining stability, accountability.
