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Johannesburg Metro Police Chief Appointment Sparks Controversy

The appointment of Patrick Jaca as the new Chief of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has already drawn objections from key stakeholders, including a labour union and senior officials within the department. Despite the pushback, the City of Johannesburg remains confident in Jaca’s leadership as he officially assumes office on February 1.
DA councillor Solomon Maila revealed that the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), former acting JMPD chief Sipho Dlepu, and another senior official have formally objected to Jaca’s appointment. Maila cited concerns over procedural discrepancies in the hiring process, though he did not elaborate on specific irregularities.
Samwu’s Johannesburg regional deputy chairperson, Lebogang Ndawo, has yet to publicly comment on the matter despite acknowledging inquiries.
Despite the controversy, city officials and the JMPD have defended Jaca’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the department. Jaca will be the first permanent JMPD chief since March 2020, following David Tembe’s resignation.
In a statement, the JMPD reaffirmed its support, stating:
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside him to ensure the safety and security of Johannesburg’s residents.”
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero welcomed Jaca’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and strong leadership skills as critical assets for the city’s safety strategy.
“Jaca’s appointment is a significant step forward in our pursuit of safety and stability. His expertise will be invaluable in ensuring our communities feel secure,” said Morero.
Public Safety MMC Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku echoed this sentiment, stating that Jaca’s leadership would strengthen the JMPD and help advance the city’s security initiatives.
For now, Jaca’s appointment remains in place, but objections from stakeholders could add pressure on the city to address concerns over the selection process.
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