Mamabolo warns EMPD corruption and stolen firearms are eroding public trust

Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Jacob Mamabolo, has sounded the alarm over widespread misconduct in the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), warning that corruption, abuse of authority and stolen firearms are eroding public trust. The concerns were reported on 27 July 2026.

Madlanga commission exposes systemic problems

The Madlanga commission exposed systemic rot within the ranks of active EMPD officers, revealing that 275 active EMPD officers hold criminal records for serious offences including murder and rape. The commission also found that other officers face pending trials.

Leadership and operational concerns

Senior leadership was implicated in criminal activity. The EMPD deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, was identified in the commission’s findings as being involved in criminal syndicates.

Operational capacity is under strain: the EMPD employs 2,077 officers, with 1,943 deployed operationally. Of the department’s 1,498 vehicles, 297 are out of service. In the past financial year, seven handguns and a shotgun were stolen, prompting calls for full investigations into the losses.

Discipline, vetting and accountability

Investigations over the past five years uncovered bribery, corruption, abuse of authority and collusion with criminals. As a result, eight officials have been dismissed, 16 suspended and 15 disciplinary matters remain pending.

Mamabolo welcomed the city’s programme to vet all EMPD officers, calling vetting “an important intervention to strengthen integrity, enhance public confidence and promote professionalism within the department.”

Public confidence and the way forward

Mamabolo’s spokesperson, Theo Nkonki, said the MEC is deeply concerned about the state of discipline.

“The integrity of municipal law enforcement is fundamental to public confidence, effective crime prevention and quality service delivery. Allegations of misconduct must be dealt with swiftly, fairly and consistently,”

Nkonki said.

Cogta said it will work with the city through the Local Government Turnaround Strategy to rebuild capacity, strengthen governance and reinforce accountability. Mamabolo described the objective as building capable, ethical institutions that are responsive to residents and transforming Gauteng municipalities.