Ekurhuleni reinstates EMPD media unit and returns Thepa to lead communications (Video)
Unit's reinstatement follows Madlanga Commission testimony outlining alleged irregularities, disputed CAT VIP dealings and the “blue-light scandal’s” effect on EMPD communications.
The City of Ekurhuleni has formally reinstated the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Media and Public Relations Unit, restoring it as a fully constituted function within the department.
Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa has also been returned to her substantive position as head of the unit.
Also read: Ekurhuleni metro police under scrutiny at Madlanga Commission
City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the decision followed an internal review aimed at aligning EMPD communication practices with the municipality’s approved organisational structure and governance standards.
He said the move strengthens transparency, accountability and public confidence in the EMPD.
According to Lerutla, reinstating the unit is a corrective measure to ensure clear reporting lines, lawful oversight and consistent public communication within the metro police.
Also read: Council reviews future of acting EMPD chief amid misconduct allegations
He added that the step supports the City’s broader Renewal Programme, which focuses on clean administration and institutional integrity.
The reinstated unit will coordinate media enquiries, issue operational updates, support community safety campaigns, work alongside the City’s Communications, Marketing and Tourism Department and enhance crisis communication capabilities.
The decision comes as the Madlanga Commission continues hearing testimony on alleged procedural irregularities and operational challenges within the EMPD.
Last week, witnesses detailed claims involving suspended deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, including an unauthorised agreement with CAT VIP Protection and disputed blue-light arrangements.
Also read: Outgoing Ekurhuleni city manager addresses political interference and legacy
Thepa herself testified before the Commission on November 14, stating that a media enquiry into the “blue-light scandal” impacted her role and led to questions being raised about her conduct after assisting investigators.
She also recounted an incident in July 2023 involving three armed individuals who approached her and a neighbour.
@bedfordview.edenv Lt Col Kelebogile Thepa testifies before the #MadlangaCommission on #Caxton ’s media inquiries, highlighting the importance of questioning the #EMPD media unit’s removal for transparency. On November 17, the unit was officially reinstated under her leadership.
The City emphasised that reinstating the EMPD media unit and returning Thepa to her position is an administrative intervention and does not pre-empt the Commission’s findings or any labour processes.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Madlanga Commission and respect its independence,” Lerutla said.
The EMPD Media and Public Relations Unit will become operational once the implementation plan, currently being finalised by the Department of Community Safety, is completed.
