Ekurhuleni plans to restore law enforcement in city

The CoE has become a key focus of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as allegations of governance failures, law enforcement irregularities, and administrative lapses continue to mount.

Speaking at a press briefing on November 18 in Germiston, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city is taking corrective action and is committed to restoring ethical governance and public trust.

On November 17, an urgent special Mayoral Committee meeting was called after an internal report revealed serious alleged misconduct involving two senior municipal managers.

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The allegations echo concerns repeatedly raised before the Madlanga Commission, pointing to broader systemic failures.

Xhakaza described the findings as “deeply troubling” and said they could no longer delay decisive action.

Extraordinary council meeting to probe past inaction

The following day, the mayor requested an extraordinary council meeting to explain why no disciplinary action was taken in 2023 against deputy chief of police Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, despite earlier allegations against him.

The city manager has now been instructed to lead a comprehensive investigation into alleged misconduct in the EMPD and broader law enforcement structures, with a preliminary report due in 30 days.

The probe will examine the alleged:

• Irregular promotion of 55 officers;
• Deployment of 275 unvetted officers, including individuals with prior convictions;
• Misuse of blue lights and improper VIP protection;
• The alleged assignment of officers facing criminal charges to sensitive units

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“The city manager has seven days to report on irregular promotions, 21 days to account for unvetted officers, and 30 days for the broader inquiry,” Xhakaza said.

Mkhwanazi is on suspension, and other implicated officials face disciplinary action.

The city has committed to fully co-operate with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. The mayor has requested an urgent meeting to ensure that cases involving municipal officers are properly monitored.

As part of its Renewal Agenda, the city announced several reforms aimed at strengthening oversight and rebuilding public confidence.

These include:

• Appointing a security advisor in the mayor’s office;
• Establishing a commissioner of integrity;
• A dedicated team to track submissions to the Madlanga Commission.

“These teams will ensure the commission’s findings are captured and translated into tangible reforms,” Xhakaza said.

Concerns over the lengthy vacancy in EMPD leadership

Responding to questions about the case of chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye, who also appeared before the commission, newly appointed city manager Kagiso Lerutla said the EMPD’s challenges stem from a lack of leadership.

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He noted that the chief of police position has been vacant for more than 13 months, contributing to instability and confirmed that concluding Mapiyeye’s disciplinary process is now a priority.

Xhakaza emphasised that the city will not interfere with the commission’s work and will instead use its findings to drive structural reform.

“The gravity of the alleged failures underscores the need for our Renewal Agenda. We are committed to restoring ethical leadership, strengthening controls and rebuilding public trust,” he said.

With Ekurhuleni now under national scrutiny, the city’s leadership has signalled its intent to confront the crisis directly and push ahead with reforms.