City of Ekurhuleni elects new council whip, delays decision on EMPD chief
The city manager has been given a go-ahead with the investigation and she will then come back to report to council the findings within 30 days
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) held a special council meeting on September 13 to elect a new whip of the council and address serious misconduct allegations against chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye.
Alderman Phelisa Nkunjane was elected as the new whip of the council, running unopposed after serving in an acting capacity for the last two sessions.
The council also resolved to continue the investigation into Mapiyeye, granting the city manager 30 days to complete the probe into accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Mapiyeye faces allegations of misconduct, including harassment of two female officers from the EMPD.
The council could not decide on September 4 and postponed the matter for seven days to ensure the proper procedures were followed.
ANC caucus leader Jongizizwe Dlabathi highlighted the importance of a fair and objective process.
“The city manager has been given the green light to conduct an investigation and will report the findings within 30 days,” he stated.
City manager Dr Imogen Mashazi confirmed an independent investigator would be appointed, starting on September 16.
She clarified that Mapiyeye could not be suspended before the council’s resolutions were implemented.
ActionSA caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo expressed dissatisfaction with the report presented to the council, calling it ‘watered down’ compared to the original.
ActionSA recommended the immediate suspension of Mapiyeye, pending the investigation, arguing it was the council’s responsibility to manage senior officials. The party vowed to seek progress reports on the investigation.
Outside the council, a large group of GBV activists gathered in solidarity with the alleged victims.
Zanele Mpofu, a GBV brigade leader from Germiston, emphasised the importance of standing against GBV.
“We may not know the victims, but we understand their pain and stand with them,” said Mpofu.
The final decision on Mapiyeye’s future is expected after the investigation concludes in 30 days.
Also Read: UPDATE: EMPD chief in court over harassment allegations
