Ekurhuleni to have 1000 fewer EMPD officers on streets

15 October 2021

ActionSA is appalled by reports that more than 1000 new Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) recruits, who have completed training and are scheduled to join the fight against crime in the city in December, are not to be deployed till March 2022.

This comes as the recruits allege that the City has failed to adequately budget for the payment of salaries for new officers.

For many of the recruits, the delay in their appointments has plunged them into a financial crisis. For residents, the delay spells less protection from criminals who continue to plague communities.

“The City’s electricity infrastructure is vulnerable to vandalism, the hijacking has increased in the city, notably in the Tsakane, kwa-Thema, Duduza and Vosloorus areas, yet the city fails to release these recruits into the community as matter of urgency. It’s absurd,” said ActionSA Mayoral Candidate, Thlogi Moseki.

In government, we would increase visible policing, particularly in poor communities, so that all residents finally feel, and be, safe.

Issued by Tlhogi Moseki, Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate, ActionSA, 15 October 2021