Lack of vests a concern for councillor

Clr Jaco Terblanche raised concerns regarding EMPD’s lack of bulletproof vests.

The DA Shadow MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni recently questioned MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni Clr Frans Mmoko and was informed the department needed 263 vests.
The vests are needed for the most recent intake of officers.

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“Worryingly, the department does not have any bulletproof vests in stock and will only be issued to personnel as and when they are delivered.

“This means that the officers tasked with serving and protecting the communities do not have the necessary equipment to effectively perform their duties.”

Terblanche said although the vests are needed there does not appear to be a tender out for them.
“While the MMC said there is also no end of lifespan for bulletproof vests, they do need to be inspected at least every five years for mould and replaced if necessary.”

He said new armour will only be procured in the 2020/21 financial year if the tender is awarded.
“The CoE needs to urgently act to empower and protect our EMPD and law enforcement personnel so that they can protect our residents. Citizens need an EMPD force that is adequately equipped to protect themselves and our residents.

“The CoE needs to urgently act to empower and protect our EMPD and law enforcement personnel so that they can protect our residents.”
A request for comment was sent to EMPD on July 2 at 11.05am requesting comment by July 2 at 5pm.
At the time of going to print no comment was received.