Political parties, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) activists and citizens have welcomed the precautionary suspension of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye following serious allegations, including sexual misconduct, lodged against him.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed on Thursday.
“The Chief of Police Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye was placed on precautionary suspension following ‘serious allegations’ of misconduct. Mapiyeye was served with the letter of his suspension on Wednesday following the recent surfacing of claims of alleged sexual misconduct,” said City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“At a Special Council Meeting held early this month, the Council authorised the City Manager to follow procedures in line, among others, with the Local Government Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers on the disciplinary procedures against senior managers, as well as the Systems of Delegations and relevant COE policies in dealing with the matter. The Council further authorised the City Manager to appoint an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into these allegations that the council deemed to be serious in nature.”
Dlamini said upon the appointment of the independent investigator, the accounting officer is to submit the report to the Council of the latter and findings against Mapiyeye within 30 days of his appointment.
“The independent investigator has also been appointed in this regard,” said Dlamini.
Security expert, Calvin Rafadi, forensic investigator at Bizz Tracers, said they welcome the precautionary suspension.
“We welcome the precautionary suspension, at the same time we wish many who have fallen victims, who were quiet, to come out so that investigation can reveal that there are more such incidents. Victims have our support. We will monitor the case, how it goes, including that there is no brashness,” said Rafadi.
Earlier this month, Rafadi said the council must put Mapiyeye under precautionary suspension because it is tantamount to intimidation to the victim because she still reports to the facility structure.
Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) brigades from Gauteng showed their support to victims by staging pickets when Mapiyeye made court appearances.
Gauteng Chief Picketer Against GBVF, Bheki Kubheka, said they welcome this suspension and urged other victims to come forward.
“As Brigades we said it loud and clear that Mapiyeye must be suspended, it has happened. Other victims can you please come forward and break the silence. People like Mapiyeye are opportunists, as activists we are not going to let him get away with this. Women are not cheap they are not for sale,” said Kubheka.
EFF Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, said the resolutions of the Council were very clear that Mapiyeye must be taken through a disciplinary process which should consider suspension based on the fact that he is a HOD and the seriousness of the case levelled against him.
“We welcome that a process is unfolding and will fight for justice for the victim,” Dubga said.
Ekurhuleni ANC Regional Task Team coordinator, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, also said the part welcomed the suspension.
“We note the precautionary suspension, which is provided for by the Regulations on the Disciplinary of Senior Officials. We will await the report of the independent investigation,” said Dlabathi.
Mapiyeye has been attending court cases in connection with alleged misconduct and will appear again at Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on October 4.
Last month, The Star saw documents from the victim where she reported sexual harassment, and intimidation and provided her medical report.
“On July 4, 2024, I submitted notice of my intention to open a formal case against the Chief of Police I.J Mapiyeye on sexual harassment and behaviour unbecoming of an officer.
“On the 12 of July 2024, I submitted my formal complaint and ensured that I have no contact with Mapiyeye by way of blocking his telephonic contact. By the 13 of July 2024, I presume that Mapiyeye was already aware that there was a complaint of sexual harassment against him. I also think that he was fully aware that calling any of my family members was going to be construed as attempting to make contact with me.
“On 13 of July 2024, Mapiyeye called my sister four times at around 10:47 – 13:23. He again called my sister on 21 July 2024 at 14:10 (SEE ATTACHED SCREENSHOT). This was after we had both submitted our statements,” said the victim known to Independent Media.
She said the formal case of sexual harassment against Mapiyeye was reported to the head of the department Ms Linda Gasheka (HOD- HR) on July 12, 2024.
The Star