Six Months After EMPD Protest, Disciplinary Outcomes Remain a Mystery

Six Months After EMPD Protest, Disciplinary Outcomes Remain a Mystery

In March 2025, EMPD officers blocked major arteries into and out of Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport with city-issued vehicles and guns. They demanded more overtime pay. Today, six months later, residents and local media are still waiting for answers.

What Happened During the Protest

• On March 19, EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) officers staged an unlawful protest using city vehicles and service firearms to block highways including the R21, N12, N17, and N3paralyzing travel to OR Tambo. The Citizen

• The protest was triggered by grievances over reduced overtime pay, which was being managed by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU). City officials countered that overtime must align with operational need and performance, and is not an entitlement. The Citizen

Promises Made, Silence Since

• Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza condemned the action as irresponsible and unlawful, emphasizing that employees of essential services like EMPD cannot strike. The Citizen

• City leadership issued 389 pre-dismissal notices to involved officers. The officers were given a chance to respond by May 9. The Citizen

• But despite the announcements, the public has not heard what has come of those proceedings. Queries sent to the MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, have gone unanswered. No official updates have been released. The Citizen

Why the Delay Matters

For many in Ekurhuleni, the delay raises questions about accountability.

• Critical public infrastructure was disrupted during the protest. Commuters were left stranded. Transport and businesses felt the impact. The Citizen

• Some officers who refused to join the protest allege they faced intimidation. The Citizen

• Without a clear disciplinary outcome, there is growing concern that promises of reform will fade like many before. The Citizen

What Has Changed

Despite the silence on discipline, the city has taken some measures:

• A shift system has been updated for EMPD to better cover hours and demands. The Citizen

• Deployment of 1,500 recruits and traffic wardens to help alleviate operational pressure. The Citizen

These steps are being seen as partial fixes rather than resolution.

Missing Pieces & What Locals Want

Local residents and civil society are asking:

• Will those 389 notices actually lead to dismissal or other consequences?

• Were any officers found guilty of misuse of power, especially for using firearms or shutting critical roads?

• What evidence was considered for each officer’s case?

• What protections exist for officers who refused to join the protest?

• When will the public receive a full report on findings?

Final Word: Trust Needs Facts

Ekurhuleni residents are watching. They want more than statements they want action. Six months after one of the most serious disruptions from EMPD in recent memory, the lack of closure is feeding distrust.

Municipal transparency, especially in a province where everyday logistics commuting, transport of goods, emergency services depend on public safety departments, cannot wait.

If the City of Ekurhuleni wants to rebuild faith, the next step must be clear communication: publish findings, enforce discipline where needed, and safeguard those who stood aside.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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