Ekurhuleni's new police chief 'a man of action'

Ekurhuleni's new police chief 'a man of action'

 16 October, 2015 00:47

"While we have done a lot in 13 years, there is plenty more that needs to be done," said Gungubele. File photo
Image by: Bafana Mahlangu / Sowetan/Gallo Images

The newly appointed Ekurhuleni metro police chief has come out with guns blazing, promising to eradicate crime and rid the metro police of corruption.

Announcing Bafana Mahlabe's appointment yesterday, Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele told residents that Mahlabe was the right man for the job.

"While we have done a lot in 13 years, there is plenty more that needs to be done," said Gungubele.

"We are faced with new challenges - violent service-delivery protests, land grabs and the scourge of drugs, at the forefront of which is the notorious nyaope."

The mayor said the issue of policing was at the centre of his administration and there was no time to waste.

He dismissed claims from opposition parties that Mahlabe's appointment was invalid, saying even though Mahlabe was not a member of the Ekurhuleni metro police, the city followed all necessary processes to ensure his appointment was in accordance with the law.

Mahlabe promised to lead from the front in the war against crime.

"I'm a man of action and have hit the ground running," he said, adding that he was fully aware of what was expected of him

Mahlabe also promised to deal with copper theft, scrap dealers, hijacking and violent protests.

He is the fourth Ekurhuleni metro police boss to appointed after Mongezi India, Robert McBride and Hlula Msimang.