The reinstatement of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) Media and Public Relations Unit, headed by Lt Col Kelebogile Thepa, is welcomed.
It is a crucial step towards restoring transparency and professional communication within the EMPD, especially in light of the serious allegations the Department currently faces.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) wonders why it took an intense investigation by the Madlanga Commission for Ekurhuleni to act.
The Commission exposed deep-rooted maladministration, misconduct and alleged corruption within the EMPD, including evidence that the Department functioned as a “criminal enterprise”.
The time that had lapsed before steps were taken raises concern about the ANC-led coalition government’s political will to effect genuine reform.
The EMPD has been plagued by problems for years, severely damaging the institution’s credibility.
Public trust has been eroded, and reinstating a single unit, however important, is not enough to address the full extent of the damage. It is merely one corrective measure in a department that urgently requires comprehensive overhaul.
The Freedom Front Plus is particularly concerned about the ruling administration’s constant failure to take decisive and meaningful action, even as allegations mounted and public safety was compromised.
Given the gravity of the findings by the Madlanga Commission, the Freedom Front Plus urgently calls on the Metro to expedite internal EMPD reforms and hold senior leadership accountable.
Corrective action should not merely be symbolic, but structural and purposeful, focusing on eradicating years of neglect, malpractice and the political protection of corrupt officials.
In addition, transparency should not be a once-off gesture. The Metro should regularly provide the public with reports on the steps taken to address the EMPD’s shortcomings.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to fighting for clean governance and a metropolitan police department that is truly accountable to the communities it serves.
