Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD)
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) is the law enforcement arm of the City of Ekurhuleni — one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities, incorporating Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, Springs, Brakpan, and Kempton Park east and southeast of Johannesburg. The EMPD became a central focus of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, with evidence of a “rogue unit,” unlawful tenders, sexual misconduct, and links to organised crime.
Two suspended senior officials:
- Julius Mkhwanazi (EMPD) (Deputy Chief): Accused of running a rogue unit (extortion, kidnapping, theft, truck hijacking); linked to the murder of informant Jaco Hanekom (March 2023); signed unlawful MoUs with Vusimuzi Matlala’s companies (Medicare 24 and CAT Protection and Security) in October 2021. Captured on CCTV at an unlawful copper confiscation operation in Meyerton (75km outside EMPD jurisdiction) in August 2022. Suspended November 2025; returning to testify April 2026.
- Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye (Chief): Accused of rape, sexual harassment, and fathering multiple children with female subordinates; two drunk-driving incidents covered up. Called female subordinates “amangelosi” (angels) — those then promoted. Suspended.
Institutional failure: Former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi (retired July 2025) told the Madlanga Commission she took no meaningful action against either official. Justice Madlanga said she was “doing absolutely nothing” and “sitting with folded arms” while abuse continued for years. The EMPD failed to implement Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommendations for disciplinary action against Julius Mkhwanazi. A “clique” of senior Ekurhuleni officials allegedly protected Mkhwanazi; two additional officials were suspended in February 2026 for this conduct.
Matlala connection: The EMPD’s unlawful MoUs with Vusimuzi Matlala’s security companies placed the department inside the alleged Big Five cartel network. Blue police lights were also fitted on Matlala’s vehicles. This enabled Matlala’s companies to operate with de facto police authority while the R360m SAPS tender that had been awarded to Medicare 24 was later rescinded following Matlala’s arrest in May 2025.
Connections
- Madlanga Commission — major subject of commission investigation 2025-2026
- Julius Mkhwanazi (EMPD) — suspended Deputy Chief; rogue unit; Hanekom murder; Matlala MoUs
- Jaco Hanekom — civilian informant murdered March 2023 after exposing EMPD copper theft
- Vusimuzi Matlala — “Cat”; security company owner; recipient of unlawful EMPD MoUs
- Big Five cartel — alleged criminal network linking EMPD to organised crime
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) — issued discipline recommendations; blocked by management