Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo has called for tougher discipline, stronger governance and greater operational effectiveness within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), warning that decisive accountability and professional policing are essential to rebuilding public trust in the force.
His call comes at a time when the EMPD remains under intense public scrutiny following testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, irregular promotions and alleged links to criminal elements within the department were aired. While those allegations remain the subject of separate processes, they have intensified concerns about governance and accountability.
Mamabolo said the EMPD, which employs 2,077 officers, including 1,943 deployed to operational duties, plays a critical role in protecting communities. He welcomed the city's continued investment in municipal policing but cautioned that expanding resources alone would not improve public safety unless accompanied by stronger leadership, enhanced frontline deployment and measurable improvements in operational performance.
He further disclosed that internal investigations over the past five years uncovered allegations ranging from bribery and corruption to abuse of authority and suspected collusion with criminal syndicates. The probes have resulted in 16 officials being suspended, eight dismissed and a further 15 disciplinary cases still awaiting finalisation.
