EMPD’s credibility under scrutiny amid criminal records scandal

Two hundred and 50 employees within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) have criminal records.

This is according to information revealed by MMC for community safety, Letlhogonolo Moseki, during questioning by the DA’s spokesperson for community safety in Ekurhuleni, Jaco Terblanche.

Moseki disclosed that during the last audit in 2022, 3 449 fingerprints of EMPD employees were taken and submitted to the provincial police commissioner’s office for processing. Out of these, 3 199 employees came back with no criminal findings.

However, the remaining 250 employees were linked to criminal activities. Among these individuals, 167 had existing criminal records, while 83 were awaiting trial for various offenses.

This revelation has raised concerns about the integrity and professionalism of the EMPD, as having employees with criminal backgrounds can compromise the effectiveness and credibility of law enforcement efforts. It also brings into question the recruitment and screening processes within the department, as individuals with a criminal history are disqualified from such positions.

Moseki has pledged to take action to address this issue, including conducting thorough background checks on current and future employees to prevent a repeat of such discrepancies.

Expressing his dismay, DA’s spokesperson for community safety in Ekurhuleni, Jaco Terblanche, criticised the city over the scandal and its failure to take responsibility for it.

He highlighted the requirements outlined in the South African Police Act of 1995 and the Criminal Procedures Act of 1997, which prohibit municipal police officers from having criminal records.

Terblanche questioned how Ekurhuleni residents could trust metro police officers who themselves have criminal records, emphasising the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement personnel by ensuring the integrity and professionalism of the EMPD. Written by Tshenolo Khaile