A Scandal Too Big to Ignore: Ekurhuleni’s Sweeping Clean-Up of Its Police Force

The damning testimony at the Madlanga Commission has finally triggered a seismic response. The City of Ekurhuleni, facing allegations of deep-seated corruption and criminality within its own Metro Police Department (EMPD), has launched an aggressive counter-offensive to salvage its integrity and public trust.

In a sweeping announcement, Mayor Doctor Xhakaza outlined a multi-pronged plan of action, signaling that the era of alleged impunity within the EMPD is over.

A Blueprint for a Clean-Up

The city’s response is wide-ranging and urgent, directly addressing the explosive claims heard by the commission. The measures include:

• Suspensions and Disciplinary Action: The already-suspended acting chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, at the center of the “blue-light scandal,” remains on precautionary suspension. The city has confirmed that disciplinary action is now underway for other allegedly implicated officials.

• Probing 55 Irregular Promotions: A full review of 55 allegedly irregular police promotions is demanded, with a report expected within just seven days.

• The 275 Unvetted Officers: In one of the most alarming revelations, the mayor has called for an urgent report within 21 days on 275 EMPD officers who were allegedly never properly vetted, with some reportedly having prior criminal convictions.

• A 30-Day Internal Investigation: A comprehensive, city-led internal probe has been mandated to investigate all alleged misconduct within law enforcement, with a preliminary report due in 30 days.

Building New Fortresses of Integrity

Beyond reacting to immediate scandals, the city is attempting to build new structures to prevent future failures. In a significant move, Mayor Xhakaza announced the creation of two new high-level posts: a Security Advisor for the mayoral office and a Commissioner of Integrity.

This new integrity commissioner will be specifically tasked with addressing governance breaches, ethical concerns, and security risks, acting as a permanent watchdog within the city’s administration.

Confronting the “Blue-Light” Scandal and Beyond

The mayor’s statement confirmed that an existing internal report involving two senior managers had already raised “deeply troubling” allegations that are consistent with the Madlanga Commission testimony. This suggests the internal warnings were there but are now being acted upon with new urgency.

The city has also pledged full cooperation with the national Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), with the mayor personally requesting an urgent meeting to ensure all matters involving EMPD officers are thoroughly investigated.

“The gravity of these alleged failures underscores the necessity of the city’s renewal agenda,” said Xhakaza. “We are confronting alleged maladministration decisively, tightening oversight and reinforcing accountability at every level.”

For the residents of Ekurhuleni, these are the most substantial steps taken yet to address a crisis that has festered in plain sight. The success of this ambitious clean-up now hinges on its execution, and whether it can truly dismantle the networks of alleged corruption that have shaken public faith in those sworn to protect them.

{Source: Citizen}

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