“On Tuesday, November 22, we received a resignation letter from Bafana Andries Mahlabe the Chief of Police in Ekurhuleni.
“After an emergency meeting, we as a city, accepted his resignation,” said Clr Mzwandile Masina, executive mayor of Ekurhuleni.
Mahlabe’s resignation, with immediate effect, comes just short of 13 months after he was appointed chief of police on October 1, last year, and was announced at a press conference at the Germiston Civic Centre, today.
“He has cited the wish to pursue other business interests elsewhere.
“Although this development was unexpected, after careful consideration we accepted the resignation.
“It is my view that you must not stand in the way of someone pursuing their ambitions,” said Masina.
The mayor mentioned a case, currently in court involving Mahlabe, which the metro is defending; however he claimed that this case played no part in the resignation.
While the metro searches for the new chief of police, Gen Isaac Mapiyeye has been appointed as the Acting Chief of Police.
He will officially take office on December 1.
“The position will be permanently filled within three months as prescribed by legislation,” Masina said.
The mayor commented that Mahlabe’s “Bumper to Bumper” approach had an immediate impact in the fight against crime in the metro.
“As a metro we commit to continuing to build on the foundation Mahlabe and his predecessors have left,” he said.
He also sent a stern warning to criminals that this latest development will not stop the war against crime and lawlessness.
The metro will soon be launching its “Festive Season Campaign”.
“Our approach continues to be zero tolerance to crime.
“If you are a criminal that commits crime you do so at your own peril,” Masina said.
Watch the full announcement here:
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