The party is over – New EMPD chief
The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Mondli Gungubele, introduced the new Ekurhuleni Metro Chief of Police, in the Germiston Council Chambers, on October 15.
Bafana Andries Mahlabe (46) hails from Duduza and was appointed with effect from October 1.
He takes over from Hlula Msimang, who left the post for the City of Johannesburg, after completing his five-year term of office.
The new EMPD chief has been appointed on a five-year fixed term contract.
“It has taken us over a year to fill this position, because we were looking for the most relevant person; a person who understands the dynamics of Ekurhuleni and has a clear vision of how to win the battle against crime,” said Gungubele.
He added that, during the interviews, Mahlabe demonstrated his abilities and they are convinced that he has what it takes to take the EMPD into the future.
“Our Metro Police Department is only 13 years old and, therefore, we need a visionary who can continue from where previous police chiefs like Mongezi India, Robert McBride and Hlula Msimang left off,” the mayor said.
He added that while the department has done a lot in the 13 years, there is plenty more that needs to be done.
“We are now faced with new challenges, amongst them, violent service delivery protests, land grabs and the scourge of drugs, at the forefront of which is the notorious nyaope,” he explained.
”We recently also saw the shocking incidents of necklacing and gangsterism in Etwatwa and, as we head towards the festive season, we need to sharpen our claws more than before as criminals are now on the prowl.”
Gungubele indicated that, because Mahlabe is not a member of the EMPD, Ekurhuleni is following all the necessary processes as defined in the Police Act to ensure that the appointment is in accordance with the law.
The new chief said he has taken note of crime stats released recently, which did not paint a very good picture in certain areas and that, naturally, Ekurhuleni is not exempt from those challenges as part of Gauteng Province and the country at large.
“I’m a man of action and have already hit the ground running and am excited to inform you that, within 10 days in office, I have already had the success of a stolen vehicle and a suspect,” he said.
”Yesterday, we apprehended three most wanted criminals linked to police killings, cash-in-transit heists and armed robberies in Vosloorus.”
He further said that he will focus on the critical areas, which are illegal mining known as Zama Zama, copper cable theft, festive season crime prevention strategy, scrap dealers, drug peddling, especially in CBDs, land-grabbing, hijackings, violent crimes, service delivery protests and traffic control and by law enforcement.
“I’m taking back the streets for the citizens of Ekurhuleni and will leave no stone unturned,” he added.
”To those who supply and smoke nyaope and are killing the future of this country: the party is over, as we will be cleaning all the shops, houses and corners known as nyaope hangouts.”
Mahlabe will take the oath of office during a parade scheduled to take place in Germiston on October 22.
