The overdue vacant post as spokesperson of the EMPD has been filled.
The chief of police, Jabulani Mapiyeye, announced chief Supt Kelebogile Thepa as the EMPD’s first fully-fledged spokesperson at a handover ceremony in Bedfordview on June 8. Thepa is also the first female to fill this post since the inception of EMPD in 2002.
Speaking to the Advertiser, the newly-appointed spokesperson said she is ready to take the bull by the horns and is eager to put the EMPD on the map.
Addressing the shortcomings incapacitating the unit, quicker customer service response time, enhancing the metro police’s reputation and creating a relationship with the public, as well as all other relevant stakeholders, including the media, are among Thepa’s priorities.
“First and foremost, we need to educate the public about the EMPD, including its functions because there are some people who still think the EMPD is affiliated with the JMPD, while we are fully independent of the Johannesburg metro police.
“For me, it’s not only about reporting incidents, it’s also about educating the community of Ekurhuleni through information-sharing sessions and campaigns,” said Thepa.
Thepa used the incoming Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act as an example, saying there is a need for her unit to go out and educate the public on how this new act, scheduled to come into effect from July 1, is going to affect drivers.
“I’m ecstatic for the opportunity and would like to thank the city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, and the chief of police for noticing my ability to do the job.
“The city manager has been doing a sterling job to ensure women within the City are upskilled, thus increasing their opportunities to be considered for senior positions. I heeded her advice because I didn’t want to be viewed as someone who had been given a post for the sake of being a woman. It should always be based on competency, and I thank the City for allowing me the opportunity to upskill myself,” said Thepa.
Born and bred in Ekurhuleni, Thepa worked her way from an entry-level position as a traffic cop from 2009 in the Thembisa precinct. Years of hard work and experience saw her move up the ladder, while at the same time pursuing her law studies.
She then joined the Freeway Unit, the EMPD Training Academy and was later promoted to the inspector’s position. In 2019, she was promoted to the superintendent position, where she led the EMPD VIP Protection Unit until May.
She is now armed with a Bachelor of Law degree.
“We are thrilled that finally a chief superintendent with such a rich knowledge is occupying the spokesperson position under the Media and PR Unit. Her experience in this crucial position will come in handy in her responsibilities to contribute in making the organisation function professionally and effectively.
“Over and above, we believe that in the process of discharging her managerial duties, she will transfer her skills acquired over years to willing officers within the department,” said Mapiyeye.
The previous acting EMPD spokesperson, Kobeli Mokheseng, described Thepa as a humble and devoted person.
Also Read: Watch: EMPD spokesman hangs up his hat
