EMPD doesn’t have powers to arrest anybody for a crime: Mapiyeye

The Ekurhuleni Metro police department (EMPD) Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye gives evidence at the Madlanga Commission on November 6, 2025.

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye has taken the stand at the Madlanga Commission.

The Commission is looking into allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.

Testimony before the Commission has revealed that Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala’s private vehicles were registered and fitted with blue lights from the EMPD.

Mapiyeye has testified that the EMPD does not have the power to arrest any individual after a crime has been committed, but that responsibility falls within the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He says, “It is very important to make sure and verify if there is a case that was opened at the SAPS against that individual; thereafter, if there is a case or there is no case, we cannot, we don’t have the power to go and arrest. Once there is a case, it is the responsibility of the SAPS to start the process of investigation.”