Mass Suspension of EMPD Officers Raises Alarm Over Public Safety in Ekurhuleni

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed serious concerns regarding the mass suspension of more than 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers. This action, taken in the wake of an illegal strike in March 2025, is now posing a potentially severe threat to public safety and municipal order across the City of Ekurhuleni.

In March, hundreds of EMPD officers reportedly downed tools in protest over internal labour grievances, participating in what authorities have labelled an illegal strike. The industrial action caused widespread disruption across the metro. Major traffic congestion was reported on key routes, including those leading to OR Tambo International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest air travel hubs. Commuters experienced delays, emergency services faced obstacles, and airport accessibility was significantly impaired, highlighting the critical role EMPD plays in the city’s daily functioning.

Committee's Concern Over Public Safety

On Tuesday, the Committee issued a public statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation. While acknowledging the City of Ekurhuleni’s authority to discipline officers involved in misconduct, the Committee cautioned that suspending over 300 officers simultaneously poses a significant threat to the stability of law enforcement in the region.

“The mass suspension of these officers poses a significant risk to public safety, traffic management and the enforcement of municipal by-laws,” the statement read. The Committee warned that such a substantial depletion of police manpower could leave communities exposed, hinder traffic control, and undermine efforts to maintain law and order, especially in high-crime and high-traffic zones.

Urgent Call for Contingency Measures

To mitigate the immediate impact of the suspensions, the Committee has urged the City of Ekurhuleni to act swiftly in deploying contingency plans. One of the proposed measures includes mobilizing law enforcement reinforcements from neighboring municipalities. This strategy is legally permissible under the existing inter-municipal agreements that allow Municipal Police and Traffic Officers to operate outside their regular jurisdictions to assist in broader crime prevention and traffic enforcement efforts.

Additionally, the Committee suggested enhancing cooperation with Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide stopgap coverage until a more permanent resolution can be found.

Need for Swift Resolution of Labour Dispute

Beyond short-term interventions, the Committee strongly encouraged the City to expedite its negotiations with the suspended officers and their unions. Prolonging the labour dispute, the Committee warned, would only worsen service delivery shortfalls and intensify public vulnerability.

“A prolonged impasse between the municipality and its employees will only deepen service delivery challenges and undermine public safety,” the Committee cautioned, adding that efficient and timely policing is vital for safeguarding residents, especially amid ongoing socio-economic pressures and rising crime rates.

Monitoring and Oversight

The Portfolio Committee has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that community safety across Gauteng remains a top priority. While supporting lawful disciplinary processes, the Committee emphasized the need to balance administrative action with the city’s responsibility to maintain essential services and protect its citizens.

As Ekurhuleni navigates this critical juncture, the outcome of the EMPD dispute will likely set a precedent for how South African municipalities manage labour conflicts in the vital public safety sector.