Ekurhuleni metro police chief on precautionary suspension following sexual misconduct allegations

The City of Ekurhuleni has placed its metro police chief, Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye, on precautionary suspension following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The suspension letter was issued on Wednesday after new claims emerged, prompting a thorough investigation.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the council had authorized the city manager to initiate procedures aligned with the Local Government Disciplinary Regulations concerning senior managers. This includes following relevant city policies to address the allegations against Mapiyeye.

At a Special Council Meeting held earlier this month, council members deliberated on the allegations, authorizing the appointment of an independent investigator to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the claims deemed serious in nature. The accounting officer has been instructed to present the investigator’s findings to the council within 30 days of the appointment.

Previously, the Ekurhuleni council dedicated six hours to a closed-door meeting focused on procedural issues related to the allegations against Mapiyeye.

Allegations Against Mapiyeye

Reports indicate that at least two women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Mapiyeye. One accuser stated that he had sexually harassed and intimidated her by contacting her family members. A second woman also reported experiencing sexual harassment from the police chief.

Mapiyeye’s record is marred by previous scandals. He has faced allegations of assaulting a pregnant woman and charges related to drunk driving. The Office of the Public Protector had previously investigated him after a complaint was lodged by private investigator Calvin Rafadi, who detailed allegations of gender-based assault, corruption, and obstruction of justice.

IPID Investigation

In April 2024, Vusumuzi Xolani Dlamini, acting Gauteng representative in the Public Protector’s office, contacted the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) regarding the ongoing allegations. Dlamini suggested that IPID was best suited to handle the investigation, as it pertains to specified criminality by police officials, including assault and corruption.

Dlamini noted that assault charges had already been filed against Mapiyeye at the Kwa-Thema police station. These charges stemmed from an incident involving Sarah Nhlapho, an employee of a security company contracted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Mapiyeye allegedly abused Nhlapho during a dispute.

Additionally, the investigation has revealed past incidents involving Mapiyeye. On May 25, 2019, he was involved in a vehicle accident where it was reported that McBride, a police officer who attended the scene, was instructed to perform a breathalyzer test on the driver of the other vehicle, while Mapiyeye was exempted. The report indicated a 0.00 reading for Mapiyeye, who was reportedly without a valid driver’s license at the time.

Dlamini also highlighted that Mapiyeye had failed to declare his directorship in three companies, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, he has been implicated in corruption related to the improper registration of students at the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Training College, allegedly using coercive tactics to influence officials.

Moving Forward

The situation remains fluid as the investigation unfolds, with both the public and city officials keenly observing the process. Mapiyeye’s suspension is a significant step taken by the City of Ekurhuleni to ensure accountability and integrity within its ranks. The allegations not only highlight serious concerns regarding Mapiyeye’s conduct but also underscore the broader issue of accountability within law enforcement agencies.

The outcome of the independent investigation will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for both Mapiyeye and the Ekurhuleni metro police. As the city aims to uphold its standards of conduct, the findings could lead to further actions, not only against Mapiyeye but potentially influencing policies surrounding transparency and ethics within the police force.

As more details emerge, the Ekurhuleni community and beyond will be watching closely, eager to see justice served and measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The allegations against Mapiyeye serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in addressing misconduct within law enforcement.