Ekurhuleni reinstates EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye for six months

Ekurhuleni has reinstated metro police chief Isaac Mapiyeye for six months while the city prepares to recruit his replacement.

Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed the council decision during a media briefing. He said the temporary reinstatement was intended to provide stability in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.

Mapiyeye is 65 and has reached retirement age. Xhakaza said the city would ask the council for approval to advertise the chief of police position and begin a recruitment process.

Disciplinary allegations not proved

Former city manager Imogen Mashazi had accused Mapiyeye of sexual harassment and abuse of authority involving female subordinates. A disciplinary hearing in July found that the city had failed to prove the allegations.

The reinstatement follows the conclusion of that process. The allegations were not upheld by the disciplinary hearing and should not be treated as findings against Mapiyeye.

Xhakaza said Mapiyeye’s experience would help stabilise the department during the transition to a new chief.

The mayor also addressed the dismissal of former deputy metro police chief Julius Mkhwanazi. He said allegations involving city officials had to be investigated through approved municipal governance structures and without interference.

Mkhwanazi has faced separate criminal proceedings and has been arrested and released on bail in cases reported during 2026. Those criminal allegations remain before the courts and do not amount to findings of guilt.

Ekurhuleni’s council will now consider the request to advertise the chief’s position. Mapiyeye’s six-month term is intended to cover the department while that appointment process is conducted.