Ekurhuleni to appoint new EMPD Chief after sexual harassment suspension

THE City of Ekurhuleni says it will soon finalise the appointment of a new Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) chief, following the suspension of Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, who has been on suspension for 13 months over allegations of sexual harassment.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

This was confirmed by the metro's city manager, Kagiso Lerutla, during a media briefing held amid mounting allegations of corruption within the EMPD. The briefing was led by City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.

The Madlanga Commission recently heard testimony implicating senior EMPD officials, including suspended deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, in allegedly enabling criminal infiltration.

Mkhwanazi is accused of installing blue lights on private vehicles belonging to alleged drug cartel member Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

The city recently suspended EMPD deputy chief Mkhwanazi following an internal audit that found evidence of possible misconduct.

His suspension, effective November 11, is described as an administrative step to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process.

Lerutla said the decision follows serious revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission into alleged corruption and political interference in South Africa's criminal justice system.

He said the report being taken to council is not merely based on allegations but on a forensic investigation.