DA: Root out criminals in the EMPD, now!
by Cllr. Jaco Terblanche — DA Shadow MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni
Date: 03 June 2021
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni demands an independent investigation into the conduct of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
There has been numerous incidents and complaints of corruption, misconduct, and brutality at the hands of the EMPD.
In 2017, the DA exposed that 115 EMPD Officials have criminal records for charges ranging from theft and corruption to murder. The DA found it incredibly perturbing that such a large number of EMPD officials hold criminal records. The residents of Ekurhuleni should have faith in their police officers; how can this be when the police are criminals themselves?
In May 2019, the DA received a disturbing video of an EMPD Nyala Armoured Personnel Carrier skipping a red traffic light in Bedfordview and colliding with a turning vehicle. As the DA, we questioned the ANC and its coalition partners* about this incident, as reckless actions like this place the lives of ordinary residents in danger and the DA will not stand for the total disregard of Ekurhuleni residents.
Another video was widely circulated in September 2019, showing a heavily intoxicated EMPD Officer driving on duty. The officer refused to take a breathalyser test, and his colleagues, including his Supervisor, allegedly assisted him to evade taking a blood test. This, showing the deep rot within the EMPD.
In May 2020, an EMPD Officer physically assaulted a woman after she asked him to wear his face mask. Even after the woman had been hospitalised and undergone surgery, the responsible officer still reported for duty. It is evident that the ANC and its coalition partners* have allowed many individuals to enter the EMPD without proper inspection and scrutiny.
The MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni, Cllr. Frans Mmoko, has also admitted that the EMPD is bedevilled by criminality involving police officers. Yet, action has not been taken against morally corrupt members of the EMPD, while their behaviour has adverse effects on members of the public.
As the DA, we have been calling on the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Ms. Faith Mazibuko, to conduct an investigation into the conduct of Metro Police Officers in the province, as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, MMC Mmoko should ensure that EMPD Officers are fit for duty to enforce the law and ensure the safety of Ekurhuleni residents.
Ekurhuleni residents deserve a government that will prioritise their safety. A DA-led Ekurhuleni will assess each officer’s fitness. This will be supported by a police fitness programme requiring officers to attend regular physical training and skills development programmes. In addition, we will root out corruption in all its forms by firing corrupt officials and ban them from ever holding official positions in government.
#Time4Change
*ANC Coalition Partners: African Independent Congress (AIC), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa (IRASA)
Media Enquiries
Cllr. Jaco Terblanche
DA Shadow MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni
