The CoE began vetting more than 3 000 EMPD officers at its Alberton Internal Audit Department amid corruption allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on February 16.

City management stressed that any officer found to have a criminal record would face the appropriate human resources processes. The vetting, expected to take two months, will culminate in a report to Mayor Xhakaza, who is overseeing the administration.

The process includes biometric fingerprint scanning and criminal record checks, and will be rolled out in phases to avoid disrupting services.

The city pointed out that participation is mandatory, and failure to comply will be dealt with in terms of the applicable regulatory and disciplinary frameworks.

The city recently resumed the EMPD’s annual criminal record vetting after a pause of several years.

Phakamile Mbengashe, the head of communications, said the annual vetting aims to reinforce accountability and ethical leadership in the department.

City Manager Kagiso Lerutla and departmental heads visited the EMPD offices to monitor the process. His presence, the city said, underscored its commitment to strong governance, legislative compliance and institutional integrity. The visit was intended to ensure the vetting was professional, transparent and free from intimidation.

Lerutla said the initiative is aimed at restoring public trust in the EMPD and the local government.

“Police vettings are essential for maintaining public confidence in law enforcement. They ensure that officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, safeguarding the credibility of the EMPD,” he said.

“By implementing these measures, the city is building a safer, more trustworthy environment for all residents, while demonstrating its dedication to ethical governance and transparent leadership.”

The EMPD recently featured prominently in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where several senior officials, including suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, were linked to serious wrongdoing.

Immediate suspension

On the other hand, DA Clr Jaco Terblanche said his party had called for the immediate suspension of all EMPD officers with criminal records and for there to be disciplinary action.

“The DA can reveal that law enforcement officers with criminal records still serve in the EMPD,” said Terblanche.

He cited a 2022 official audit that allegedly uncovered 250 incidents of illegal activity in the department. He said of these, 83 cases were awaiting trial, and 167 officers were confirmed to have criminal records.

“In response to recent DA questions in the council, MMC for Community Safety Sizakele Masuku indicated that no implicated officers had been suspended or dismissed.”

Terblanche accused the administration of allowing officers with criminal records to remain armed and continue enforcing laws they are alleged to have violated.

“SA legislation, including the Municipal Police Services Regulations, the Criminal Procedure Act and the SAPS Act, clearly states that no law enforcement official may have a criminal record,” said Terblanche.

The DA indicated that it would escalate the matter to the public protector and the minister of police to ensure accountability.

The city maintains that its commitment to ethical leadership and accountability remains, emphasising that ensuring municipal law enforcement personnel meet the highest standards of integrity is central to restoring public trust and strengthening the credibility of the EMPD.