Nearly 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police Officers Found With Criminal Records, Commission Hears

A Shocking Revelation At The Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been told that nearly 300 members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) had criminal records as recently as 2022 a revelation that’s reignited public debate over integrity within South Africa’s policing ranks.

The disclosure came from retired EMPD Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies, who testified before the commission about systemic corruption and misconduct in the force. During a routine background check later suspended by municipal officials investigators uncovered that 275 officers had prior convictions, while more than 100 others were still facing trial, including 15 accused of murder.

From Assault To Murder: Crimes Within The Force

According to Spies, the offences ranged from assault and theft to reckless driving and drunk driving, painting a grim picture of law enforcement plagued by the very crimes it’s meant to fight. “No illicit [crimes were] recorded, but 275 officers were confirmed to have criminal records, with hundreds of checks still outstanding,” he told the inquiry.

This means that among roughly 3 700 EMPD personnel screened, hundreds were either convicted criminals or under investigation. Spies added that the process had been halted before completion raising questions about possible internal resistance or political interference.

A Long-Standing Crisis In Policing

The EMPD isn’t alone in facing credibility issues. Over the years, similar revelations have surfaced within the South African Police Service (SAPS), prompting calls for national reform. The Madlanga Commission, established to probe alleged misconduct and corruption within police ranks, has become a focal point for those demanding accountability.

While the inquiry continues, many South Africans are left wondering how many more officers across the country carry badges tainted by criminal pasts and whether the system designed to protect citizens can truly be trusted.

{Source:EWN}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com