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The people of Ekurhuleni are tired. Tired of crime, tired of drugs, and tired of a police service they no longer trust. If we are serious about taking back our city, then we must start with the institution that is meant to protect us.

Restoring integrity in Ekurhuleni starts with reforming the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. The EMPD must belong to the people again. Recent allegations and arrests within the EMPD confirm what residents have raised repeatedly.

When those sworn to uphold the law are found on the wrong side of it, it destroys public trust and makes our fight against crime even harder. We cannot allow a few bad apples to define an entire service, but we also cannot pretend the rot is not there.

ActionSA will clean house in the EMPD through independent oversight, proper vetting, and strict accountability. Those guilty of corruption must be removed and prosecuted. But reform is not only about discipline.

 In my plan, we will resource the EMPD adequately so that officers can do their work without limitations. That means vehicles that work, proper equipment, training, and support for officers who serve with integrity.

A professional, well-resourced EMPD is non-negotiable if we want a drug-free, safe, and secure Ekurhuleni. Officers must be able to respond timeously, investigate properly, and work hand-in-hand with communities without fear or interference.

When the police are credible, the community will cooperate. When the community cooperates, we win the fight against drugs and crime.

The Executive Mayor must finalise the forensic report into the EMPD without further delay. Conclude the disciplinary process of the suspended Deputy Chief of Police. Audit the department, implement the reforms, and resource the service properly.

ActionSA will not allow political protection, tender interests, or internal sabotage to keep a broken EMPD in place. The cleanup cannot wait. A clean EMPD is the foundation for a clean and safe Ekurhuleni. 

Under my leadership, we will put residents first, remove compromised officials, and build an EMPD that answers to the people of Ekurhuleni, not to factions, not to corruption, but to the law.

Ekurhuleni will be safe again, and it starts with a police service with its integrity restored.

Press Statement by: Cllr Xolani Khumalo - ActionSA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate