EMPD head tells Madlanga Commission: Metro police need investigative powers
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye has told the Madlanga Commission on Thursday that municipal police departments should be granted investigative powers to strengthen accountability and improve law enforcement coordination.
Testifying before the commission in Pretoria, Mapiyeye outlined the functions and limitations of metro police departments, saying their powers are confined to traffic policing, municipal bylaws, and crime prevention.
“The functions of municipal police service are set out in section 64E of the SAPS Act,” he said. “We have got no investigating powers, and that limits what we can do.”
He told the commission that municipal officers often identify irregularities, misconduct, or criminal activity but are unable to take investigations further, leaving gaps that may be exploited by criminals.
“We detect issues, we report, but the investigation has to be taken up by SAPS. This creates delays and sometimes undermines our enforcement efforts,” Mapiyeye said.
Mapiyeye also highlighted the need for greater coordination between municipal police and the SAPS.
He said that granting investigative powers to metro police could reduce duplication of work, accelerate justice, and improve accountability at the local level.
“Extending investigative functions would enhance accountability and allow municipalities to follow through on cases that originate in their jurisdictions,” he said.
Mapiyeye also addressed how municipal limitations can affect the handling of politically sensitive matters, stating that empowering metro police to investigate certain crimes could strengthen local governance and deter criminal networks from exploiting loopholes.
“We are first responders, but when it comes to serious crimes, we depend on SAPS. Investigative powers would allow us to close the loop on cases, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent misuse of municipal resources,” he said.
His testimony comes amid the commission’s investigation into the so-called blue lights saga.
The probe centers on allegations that EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, currently facing suspension, assisted organised crime accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in illegally registering private vehicles under the municipality and equipping them with blue lights.
Mapiyeye is also on precautionary suspension since September last year following allegations of sexual assault and intimidation of a female employee.
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