Johannesburg – The City of Ekurhuleni is conducting its annual vetting of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers.
Considering the evidence of wrongdoing uncovered by the Madlanga Commission and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee, the City said that the vetting would reinforce accountability and ethical leadership.
RELATED: Madlanga Commission Damning Testimony: EMPD Deputy Chief Mkhwanazi Suspended – The Bulrushes
The ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry exposed rampant corruption and criminality within the EMPD, including a rogue unit allegedly led by suspended Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, implicated in murder, truck hijackings, kidnappings, and theft of R45 million in precious stones.
Witnesses testified that at least 275 EMPD officers have criminal convictions for assault, theft, murder, and rape, with many refusing vetting.
Testimonies also revealed unlawful deals with alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including blue-light installations on his vehicles and a R70 000 payment to Mkhwanazi.
So far, the EMPD has suspended Mkhwanazi, Legal Head Kemi Behari, and HR Head Linda Gxasheka for alleged wrongdoing.
City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, together with departmental heads, visited the EMPD offices on Monday, 16 February, to oversee the process.
The process includes biometric fingerprint scanning and criminal record vetting systems, rolled out in phases to ensure uninterrupted operations.
The EPMD said police vetting systems 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,” the City said.
“By implementing these measures, the City of Ekurhuleni is building a safer, more trustworthy environment for all residents, while demonstrating its dedication to ethical governance and transparent leadership.”
