Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and rape against its chief, Robert Mapiyeye, according to testimony given at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System in Pretoria.
Former City of Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi made the revelations on Monday, stating that the alleged misconduct involved female officers within the organisation. Mashazi, who was appointed city manager in 2016 and reappointed in 2022, retired on July 17, 2025, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Mashazi told the commission, led by Advocate Mahlape Sello SC, that she was informed in 2016 by several female EMPD officers that Mapiyeye had fathered children with them. "It was reported to me that Mapiyeye fathered multiple children with many of his subordinates, and his conduct amounted to sexual harassment, coercion and rape. This pattern of behaviour is disturbing and problematic," Mashazi stated.
She further alleged that these incidents began as far back as 2012 and continued throughout her tenure as city manager, from 2016 to 2025. While Mashazi stated she knew the names of the women involved, she did not disclose the exact number of children Mapiyeye is alleged to have fathered.
The former city manager also claimed that Mapiyeye promoted female EMPD officers who were allegedly in sexual relationships with him, referring to them as "angels." She specifically named EMPD spokesperson and head of media and public relations unit, Lt-Col Kelebogile Thepa, as "one of the angels that had a sexual relationship with Mapiyeye."
"It is a fact that Thepa had a sexual relationship with Mapiyeye. She was one of the women he referred to as his angels," Mashazi asserted. "Mapiyeye promoted Thepa in a short timeframe, while others who were appointed before her were not promoted. This kind of practice gave me sleepless nights."
In light of these allegations, the City of Ekurhuleni placed Mapiyeye on precautionary suspension in September 2024, pending further investigation.
However, Mapiyeye has also made counter-allegations against Mashazi. In November, he testified before the commission that in 2023, Mashazi instructed him and the then-EMPD deputy chief of police in charge of auxiliary and logistical support, Revo Spies, to cease "pursuing" and "pushing" to see suspended EMPD deputy chief of police Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi charged by the municipality. The charges related to the alleged installation of state blue lights in personal vehicles owned by Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who is alleged to be a member of a drug cartel.
Mapiyeye further claimed that Mashazi threatened to send a "hitman called Mr Mswazi" to kill him and Spies. Zanemvula Msibi, popularly known as Mswazi, was a prominent Pretoria taxi owner and transport mogul who passed away in a Pretoria hospital in January 2024 due to an undisclosed illness.
The commission's investigation is ongoing, and these allegations and counter-allegations paint a picture of deep-seated issues within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and the City of Ekurhuleni. The commission continues to hear evidence and investigate the complex web of accusations.
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