Head of Ekurhuleni Police Suspended for Allegations of Running Unofficial Police Unit.

Isaac Mapiyeye, the suspended head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), faces serious allegations of running an unofficial “police” unit of unpaid volunteers, known as the Community Liaison Unit (CLU). The CLU members, who were not formally employed or officially appointed, were reportedly issued police vehicles, firearms, and tasked with roles typically reserved for official officers. These roles included making arrests, recovering stolen property, providing VIP protection, and gathering intelligence on service delivery protests and potential threats to municipal properties.

According to former CLU members, they were promised permanent employment by Mapiyeye and conducted police duties from 2016 to 2019 without compensation. They claim that Mapiyeye denied appointing them after failing to follow through on this promise. CLU members such as Brian Khumalo allege that they made numerous arrests, recovered stolen vehicles, and even provided protection at council meetings, assuming these duties were precursors to formal employment.

Despite their work, the EMPD now denies knowledge of the CLU’s operations, with EMPD media relations specialist Zweli Dlamini stating that there is no record of their official involvement. The unit’s former members have compiled records of arrests and significant cases, like one involving municipal cable theft worth R1.8 million, as evidence of their work. Former CLU member Lindi Simunda argued that if EMPD denies recognizing their work, the arrests they made should be invalidated, as civilians without formal police powers conducted them.

The use of state resources by unauthorized individuals raises legal concerns. Johan Burger from the Institute for Security Studies explained that volunteers lack the legal authority to perform police duties, such as making arrests or carrying firearms. He pointed out that unless registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), volunteers cannot lawfully operate as police officers. The EMPD emphasized its limited mandate, stating that it lacks the authority to establish criminal investigation or intelligence units.

In response to the allegations, the office of the Minister of Police condemned the misuse of state resources by individuals who are not authorized under the SAPS Act to perform police duties. The former CLU members believe they were not offered permanent employment because they were not affiliated with the ANC.