Metro police director posts finally filled
The four directors appointed have among them operational experience spanning 91 years and had been acting in the positions for some time.
The long-vacant directorship posts in the operations division at Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) were eventually filled at the beginning of April when four chief superintendents were promoted.
The delay in filling the posts, which lasted several years, was due to the rationalisation of the EMPD structure which displayed specific anomalies requiring modifications.
The four directors appointed have among them operational experience spanning 91 years and had been acting in the positions for some time. Their appointments are with effect from April 1.
“We are elated that finally, directors with such rich experience are occupying these crucial positions and that their experience will stand them in good stead in their responsibilities to contribute in making the organisation function efficiently and effectively,” said chief of police Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye.
“We believe in the process of discharging their managerial duties they will transfer the skills they have acquired over the years to officers of not so long a standing in the department.”
Director Hezekiel Ngamlane Nkosi, who started at the erstwhile Benoni Council, had been in the law enforcement environment for 32 years. He will be responsible for by-law enforcement across Ekurhuleni.
Ockert Jacobus Bezuidenhout will assume his position as the director of operations in the EMPD southern operational region, which encompasses Alberton, Tokoza, Germiston, Katlehong, Zonkizizwe, Boksburg, Reiger Park, Vosloorus, Villa Lisa and Dawn Park. Bezuidenhout has 26 years of experience in law enforcement.
Director Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi will be heading specialised services, which includes the K9, SWAT, equestrian, public order policing, OR Tambo International Airport and overloads units. His units will operate in the whole of the City of Ekurhuleni.
Mkhwanazi, who has 17 years of experience in law enforcement, worked himself up the ranks from being a constable to where he is currently.
Only the second woman to be appointed as director since the inception of the EMPD in 2002, Director Gwen Nonkululeko Gina will be responsible for the EMPD northern operational region, which covers Kempton Park, Edenvale and Tembisa.
Although Gina started as a clerk at the municipal courts, where she amassed five years of experience in this function that is closely related to EMPD responsibilities, she has accumulated 16 years of experience as a metro police officer in the city.
