GOOD Press Statement by Jonathan Cupido
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
27 November 2023
GOOD welcomes the long overdue suspension of the so-called Safety and Security Investigation Unit’s head, Reynold Talmakkies, after he was found to have breached security protocols in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court.
Last week the High Court said Talmakkies acted “shockingly and inappropriately” in relation to a murder case in which his son is an accused. It was revealed that he had approached the magistrate who was presiding over the case, resulting in her recusal.
Not only is this an unlawful unit without any powers prescribed by law, as confirmed in a Parliamentary answer from the Police Minister to GOOD, but Talmakkies himself is facing criminal charges in a separate matter.
While his suspension is encouraging, it’s not enough. Talmakkies should in no way be part of the City’s efforts to deal with crime, and should face the full consequences of his actions.
Safety and Security MCC, JP Smith must also give up his fight to keep this rogue unit intact and the City must shut it down.
While GOOD agrees that there is a need for certain police powers to be decentralised, local governments cannot usurp powers at will.
We have long argued that rogue policing and illegal intelligence units are dangerous and undermine the fight against organised crime by creating a grey environment in which crime can flourish.
GOOD once again calls on the relevant ministers to intervene, and to explain to South Africans why such units were allowed to be established, and continue acting outside of the law, especially with people like Talmakkies in charge.
Media Enquiries:
Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 084 865 8122
Email: jonathanc@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za