WATCH: New era for JMPD as Patrick Jaca takes the helm
The City of Johannesburg welcomes its fourth police chief, vowing to boost safety, restore trust, and build a more responsive metro police force.
The City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department hosted the official inauguration ceremony for the new chief of JMPD, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, at the Johannesburg Stadium on April 3.
This marked a new chapter in law enforcement leadership and public safety enhancement. Jaca is the fourth chief of police for the JMPD since its inception in 2001.
He was described as a distinguished law enforcement professional with decades of experience who has played a pivotal role in crime prevention, by-law enforcement, and strategic policing.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on strengthening public safety, increasing police visibility, and fostering community partnerships to build a safer Johannesburg.
The inauguration comes after the City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero announced that Patrick Jaca is the new chief of police for JMPD in February.
@southern.courier Mayor Morero said change starts now. The chief of police’s role is not just about law enforcement but also about restoring public trust and order.
“Jaca has many years of experience in law enforcement and good qualifications. His appointment is important because JMPD has not had a permanent chief for five years, which has affected its work,” said Morero.
The mayor believes Jaca will bring stability and strong leadership to the department.
Morero said change starts now. The chief of police’s role is not just about law enforcement but also about restoring public trust and order.
@southern.courier The Provincial Commissioner, Lt. Gen Tommy Mthombeni, presents the incoming JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, with the official insignia.
Under Jaca, JMPD will focus on visible policing, enforcing by-laws, and fighting corruption. The mayor wants officers to be present in communities, making Johannesburg safer.
He emphasised that the police badge should represent pride, not fear, and officers must serve with integrity.
At the ceremony, Jaca said he is proud and honoured to be the new JMPD chief. He said he understands the big responsibility and promises to serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication.
@southern.courier Acceptance speech: At the ceremony, Patrick Jaca said he is proud and honored to be the new JMPD chief. He understands the big responsibility and promises to serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication.
Jaca assured Joburg residents that under his leadership, JMPD will enforce law and order with professionalism and accountability. He aims to restore public trust in law enforcement and make the city safer.
He acknowledged the challenges of crime and reckless driving and committed to strengthening policing, crime prevention, and protecting vulnerable people. Jaca plans to use technology and community partnerships to fight crime, ensuring officers are present where they are most needed.
The acting City of Johannesburg manager, Tshepo Makola said the City of Johannesburg has a clear plan for the future, guided by the mayoral committee.
@southern.courier The City of Johannesburg Manager, Tshepo Makola said the City of Johannesburg has a clear plan for the future, guided by the Mayoral Committee.
The plan focuses on five key areas:
• Financial stability: Making sure the city manages its money well.
• Service delivery: Particularly around the provision of water, electricity, waste management, and road maintenance.
• Safety and security: Strengthening by-law enforcement.
• Economic development: Growing the digital economy to boost the city’s economy and income.
• Public-private partnerships: Working with businesses, NGOs, and government to improve services.
MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku said to Jaca it would be unusual business.
“You need to build a stronger, more disciplined and highly responsive police force for the people of Johannesburg. Your priorities are simple; we need to fill the vacancies in the JMPD, and the vacancy of the director of by-laws as it is one of the priorities under the mayor. Capacitate your officers so that they can comply and improve their education.
@southern.courier JMPD Parade Inspection
Address the well-being of the officers as they are going through a lot, they see things on the streets, and you must have an open-door policy. Look at the progression of these officers as they have been in the same positions for too long,” he said.
