JMPD
2Min
South Africa
Oct 20, 2025
Tensions have erupted between the Joburg Metro and the South African Police Service after SAPS officers arrested JMPD members during a vehicle recovery operation in Bekkersdal. The two agencies have traded accusations, with JMPD alleging unlawful interference and SAPS insisting the arrests were lawful and prompted by community concerns.
Tensions have erupted between the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the arrest of several metro police officers in what city officials describe as a “disturbing act of interference.”
On Monday, City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, expressed outrage over the arrest of five members of the JMPD Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and two officers from the Vehicle Recovery Unit by SAPS members stationed at Bekkersdal.
Tshwaku said the officers were detained during a legitimate vehicle recovery operation. “This incident, which occurred during a lawful recovery, highlights a troubling pattern of hostility that undermines law enforcement collaboration and endangers public safety in Gauteng,” he said.
According to Tshwaku, the events unfolded on 17 October 2025 after TRU officers received credible intelligence about a stolen vehicle. Acting swiftly on the information, the team located the vehicle and began standard recovery procedures.
“While our officers were securing evidence and preparing the vehicle for impoundment, SAPS members from Bekkersdal station arrived unannounced and proceeded to arrest our team on baseless and fabricated charges,” Tshwaku said.
He alleged that SAPS officers confiscated the JMPD members’ service firearms, cellphones, and official vehicles before detaining them over the weekend without due process.
“When JMPD Internal Affairs investigators arrived at the station to request clarity on the arrests, they were chased away by the Bekkersdal SAPS officers, who refused to explain why JMPD tactical personnel performing routine duties were detained,” Tshwaku added.
He said further investigations by JMPD’s TRU and K9 Unit revealed that the recovered vehicle allegedly belonged to a suspected illegal mining kingpin operating in the West Rand.
“It remains deeply puzzling why SAPS Bekkersdal chose to arrest our recovery team in the middle of an operation instead of assisting with evidence processing,” Tshwaku said. “This raises serious questions about possible conflicts of interest and whether certain individuals within SAPS are protecting criminal networks rather than prioritising public safety.”
He added that there was confusion surrounding the detained officers’ court appearance. “Our members were told they would be appearing in court, but there is no record of their case on the roll. We are being taken from pillar to post,” he said.
Tshwaku has called on Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to intervene. “We demand a thorough, independent investigation into the conduct of the Bekkersdal SAPS members involved. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. The people of Johannesburg deserve law enforcement agencies that cooperate, not conflict,” he said.
The MMC reaffirmed JMPD’s commitment to public safety. “We will not be intimidated or deterred from recovering stolen assets, dismantling criminal syndicates, and ensuring safer streets. However, incidents like this erode public trust and embolden criminals,” Tshwaku stated.
He linked the confrontation to what he described as broader structural issues within SAPS and welcomed the establishment of parliamentary inquiries such as the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations involving KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission. “We urge Commissioner Mthombeni and relevant oversight bodies to resolve this matter swiftly,” Tshwaku said.
In response, Lieutenant General Mthombeni said he noted Tshwaku’s public statements with concern. He rejected the claim that the arrests were baseless and defended the actions of SAPS officers.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that four JMPD TRU members and two foreign nationals were arrested by Bekkersdal police on 17 October 2025.
“The six suspects were taken to the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on charges that include attempted theft, malicious damage to property, trespassing, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002,” Muridili said.
She said the Provincial Commissioner, after engaging with the District Commissioner, was satisfied that the Bekkersdal officers had acted within the bounds of the law.
According to Muridili, Bekkersdal SAPS were alerted to the scene by members of the community who had mobilised against the TRU operation. “The swift response by SAPS members followed reports from residents, as the district has recently faced an increase in house robberies and vehicle hijackings carried out by suspects posing as law enforcement officers using blue-light vehicles,” she said.
She added that the West Rand policing district was on high alert following a rise in crimes committed by people impersonating metro police and traffic officers. “During recent community engagements, residents were warned about the threat and urged to remain vigilant,” Muridili said.
Muridili also highlighted the SAPS’s ongoing partnerships with community organisations, including Community Police Forums, patrollers, and private security companies through the Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears initiative.
“These collaborations have led to the arrest of 42 suspects linked to hijackings and house robberies between July and September and the recovery of 40 stolen or hijacked vehicles during the same period,” Muridili said.
She said the Provincial Commissioner appreciated the cooperation of residents in helping law enforcement combat crime. “Lieutenant General Mthombeni has thanked the community for their role in helping police prevent, combat, and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect residents and their property, and uphold the law as required by the Constitution”.
The public has been encouraged to report any criminal activity to their nearest police station or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS app.
The arrests sparked debate about the strained working relationship between SAPS and municipal police in Gauteng. While the JMPD maintains that its officers were unlawfully detained during a lawful recovery operation, SAPS insists that their members acted on legitimate concerns raised by the community.
The arrested JMPD officers remain in custody as legal processes continue. Tshwaku has vowed to pursue accountability, while SAPS leadership stands by its members’ actions.
