The vetting process of the EMPD officers has begun, the City of Ekurhuleni announced on Monday.
Image: Simone Kley
The long-resisted vetting of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers has officially begun, years after hundreds of officers were flagged for criminal records and senior leadership allegedly blocked scrutiny.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed on Monday that the integrity screening process is now in motion, signalling a shift for a department battered by allegations of internal rot and political interference.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza welcomed the move, calling it a decisive step toward restoring credibility.
“The vetting of EMPD officers is a critical step in strengthening governance systems, promoting ethical conduct, and ensuring that our law enforcement agencies operate beyond reproach,” Xhakaza said.
“This process will protect the integrity of the EMPD and ensure that those in uniform serve with honour and discipline,” he added.
In 2022, a criminal record verification process revealed that 275 of the city’s 3,762 metro police officers had previous convictions. Another 100 were awaiting trial.
Fifteen were facing murder charges. The offences ranged from assault and theft to reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence. A further 211 officers failed to submit fingerprints.
The findings were disclosed by retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies during testimony before the Madlanga Commission, which exposed extensive dysfunction and alleged corruption within the department.
According to Spies, the vetting process was abruptly halted despite the explosive results.
The suspended acting EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his “rogue” team had refused to undergo annual vetting.
The renewed push follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he stressed that police and metro police officers nationwide must undergo vetting and lifestyle audits to root out criminality and rebuild public trust.
The city said the vetting will strengthen internal controls and restore confidence in municipal law enforcement. After years of delay, scrutiny has arrived.
Meanwhile, A senior official at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Thulani Magagula told the commission that an EMPD officer accused of repeatedly raping two young girls remained on active duty throughout his criminal trial.
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