Suspended EMPD spokesperson reinstated after Madlanga inquiry testimony

The City of Ekurhuleni has formally reinstated the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Media and Public Relations Unit as a dedicated function and returned Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa to her substantive position as head of the unit.

The move follows an internal review of the EMPD’s communications arrangements to ensure alignment with the City’s approved organisational structure, governance requirements and communication policies.

City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the reinstatement is part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the EMPD. “Professional, consistent and accountable communication is essential for any law enforcement agency operating in a constitutional democracy.

The reinstatement of the EMPD Media and Public Relations Unit is a corrective governance measure that ensures our communications functions operate within an approved structure, with clear reporting lines and proper oversight,” he said.

The reinstated unit will coordinate media enquiries, statements and interview requests relating to EMPD operations. It will support public information, safety campaigns and community awareness initiatives. The unit will also work closely with the City’s Communications, Marketing and Tourism Department to ensure consistent messaging and strengthen crisis communication capacity on law enforcement and public safety matters.

The City noted that issues concerning EMPD communications were raised in evidence before the Madlanga Commission. Lt Col Thepa previously testified at the Commission, where she outlined challenges faced by the department and what she went through in performing her duties under difficult conditions.

Lerutla said the reinstatement of the media unit and Thepa’s return is an administrative and governance intervention and does not pre-empt the findings of the Commission or any ongoing labour processes.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Madlanga Commission and respect its independence. At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that our internal structures are sound, lawful and fit for purpose so that residents receive timely, accurate and reliable information,” he said.

The EMPD Media and Public Relations Unit will become operational under its reinstated structure once the implementation plan by the Department of Community Safety is completed.