A fix for poorly disciplined EMPD
There are records of poor discipline and low morale within the rank and file of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
The records even led the metro to come up with strategies to curb them.
This will, however, definitely not come as a surprise to Benoni residents, who have, on more than one occasion, experienced “bullying” by the EMPD.
One such classic example is the 2011 case involving Northmead-based Bimbo’s owners Peter and Gail Davisson.
The confrontation was said to have started when the officers were asked to move some of their vehicles to the back of the business, in order to make space for other customers.
The officers were said to have refused, telling the owners to ask the other customers to move their cars instead.
Peter and Gail were then manhandled, cuffed and sworn at.
Delivering the State of the City address, in Germiston, on March 26, Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele acknowledged the “achievements” of the Metro Police, since the formation of the department, 12 years ago, but also touched on its low morale and poor discipline.
“Following a period of low morale and poor disciplinary records the EMPD recently approved and implemented a turnaround strategy,” said the mayor.
He added that the strategy is beginning to bear fruit.
“As the city’s administration we remain confident that the department will continue making us proud,” he added.
The EMPD subscribes to a number of core values, among which is dignity and respect for its clients, as well as professionalism and fairness in the execution of its work.
