EMPD Under the Microscope: 55 Promotions and 275 Officers in Vetting Spotlight

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) finds itself under an unprecedented review following allegations of corruption, nepotism, and misconduct. Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed on Tuesday that all 55 promotions made by suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi are being scrutinised, alongside a preliminary report into 275 officers who may never have been properly vetted.

This comes after testimony before the Madlanga Commission implicated senior EMPD officials in allegedly enabling criminal infiltration and misusing police resources.

Allegations of Misconduct and VIP Privileges

Central to the allegations is the claim that Mkhwanazi installed blue lights on private vehicles belonging to alleged drug cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, raising serious questions about the abuse of authority within the metro police.

Mayor Xhakaza said the city has already taken decisive steps to safeguard integrity and accountability, convening a special Mayoral Committee meeting to table internal investigation findings on two senior managers, including suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, who has faced sexual harassment allegations since September 2024.

“These allegations are consistent with concerns raised before the Madlanga Commission. Given the serious and deeply concerning developments now emerging, I have mandated a broader internal investigation into alleged misconduct and administrative failures within the City’s law enforcement structures,” Xhakaza said.

Preliminary Investigations and Tight Deadlines

The investigations are set to move quickly:

• A preliminary report on the 275 unvetted officers including those with alleged prior convictions must be submitted within 21 days.

• A review of all 55 promotions is expected within seven days.

Xhakaza emphasised that ensuring officers meet ethical and professional standards is critical to rebuilding public trust in Ekurhuleni’s law enforcement.

Suspensions and Disciplinary Measures

Deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi was suspended effective 11 November 2025 following an internal audit pointing to possible misconduct. The city stressed that this administrative suspension is not a finding of guilt but a step to protect the integrity of disciplinary processes.

“Where promotion decisions lack proper justification or are found to be irregular or politically influenced, corrective action will follow,” Xhakaza noted.

Other officials implicated in alleged misconduct are undergoing appropriate disciplinary processes, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accountability.

Strengthening Oversight and Integrity Structures

To bolster governance and prevent future lapses, Xhakaza announced plans to:

• Appoint a security adviser in the Office of the Mayor.

• Establish a commissioner of integrity to oversee law enforcement ethics and governance.

• Coordinate with IPID to ensure national oversight on cases involving city officers.

“The gravity of these alleged failures underscores the necessity of the City’s Renewal Agenda. Our response is rooted in renewal restoring ethical leadership, strengthening controls, professionalising law enforcement, and rebuilding public confidence,” said Xhakaza.

A City Determined to Rebuild Trust

Public confidence in Ekurhuleni’s EMPD has been shaken by allegations that officers with prior convictions may have served without proper vetting, and that promotions were politically influenced.

Xhakaza’s decisive action reflects a growing commitment to transparency and accountability, with clear deadlines for reports and an independent team monitoring submissions to the Madlanga Commission.

“We are confronting alleged maladministration decisively, tightening oversight, and promoting accountability at every level. The City remains fully committed to supporting the Madlanga Commission and will not interfere in its work,” he said.

The coming weeks will be pivotal as preliminary reports emerge, with the public and civil society watching closely to see whether Ekurhuleni’s metro police can regain the trust of the communities they serve.

{Source: IOL}

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