1406 EMPD Officers in need of Bulletproof vests

by Cllr Jaco Terblanche — DA Spokesperson for Community Safety a

Date: 03 August 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The City of Ekurhuleni needs to provide Bulletproof vests to 1406 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Officers (EMPD). This damning information was revealed to the Democratic Alliance at a recent Council sitting, where the DA posed written questions to the MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Sizakele Masuku.

According to the ANC MMC, the cost of a bulletproof vest is around R9 235,64. To fulfil its obligation to its EMPD officers, the City under the EFF/ANC coalition will need R10 491 687,04.

Each bulletproof vest has a lifespan of five years and it will cost the City around R37 337 904, 00 to replace the Bulletproof vests of the 3064 officers.

The City of Ekurhuleni only budgeted R12 709 125.00 over a 3-year budget process. According to this information provided by the ANC MMC, the City of Ekurhuleni does not have enough money to replace the Bulletproof vests before they ‘expire’.

The failing EFF/ANC coalition in the City of Ekurhuleni needs to urgently revise its budget and allocate more money to replace Bulletproof Vests of EMPD Officers. The City is tasked with keeping the officials who serve and protect our communities, safe.

The DA will continue to stand up for the EMPD officers and will be escalating this matter to higher structures. We cannot allow officers to enter dangerous situations ill-equipped.

Cllr Jaco Terblanche

DA Spokesperson for Community Safety

083 413 2420