The DA in Ekurhuleni has once again condemned Mr Bafana Mahlabe’s appointment as the City’s Chief of Police.
This is after the DA allegedly obtained an official letter from Chief Mahlabe to the former mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Mondli Gungubele.
The DA said the letter explained that Mr Mahlabe would be completing the Metro Police Diploma with the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department for the next 18 months, starting in July 2016.
“We were vehemently against the appointment of Mr Mahlabe to the position of Chief of Police as we knew, not only did he not have the necessary qualifications but also has a known record of violence, including when he orchestrated the invasion of the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers in Germiston in 2014.
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“We called on the Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, last year to investigate the eligibility of Mahlabe to hold office,” said Ald Tania Campbell, the DA’s Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni.
Ald Campbell said while on study leave for the next 18 months, Major General Ugeshni Naidoo, Chief of Staff in the EMPD, will assist in the administration.
“In addition to his unqualified skill set, Mahlabe also flaunts up to nine personal bodyguards for protection. That’s more than the Mayor or any MMC. This person is tasked with protecting our residents and communities, yet, it seems he is unable to protect himself. It is clear that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) shows little regard for legislation surrounding the appointment of a police chief,” said Ald Campbell.
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She said the DA will hold the mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, to account, after he pledged to eradicate corruption as they regard Chief Mahlabe’s appointment as corruption.
“To this end, the DA will submit a series of questions to the MMC of Community Safety, Clr Viviene Chauke, and demand an investigation into Mahlabe to ensure he is removed from his appointed position,” said Ald Campbell.
The NEWS sent a request for comment to the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department on October 20, requesting comment by October 21 before 10am.
No comment has been received.
