Xolani Khumalo blames Ekurhuleni crime crisis on poor police visibility and broken EMPD vehicles

Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo has criticized the metro's law enforcement for being ineffective due to poor police visibility, insufficient uniforms and unroadworthy vehicles. During a town hall debate ahead of local elections, Khumalo described Ekurhuleni as being in a serious crisis with crime becoming a daily reality.

He stated that residents, especially women and children, are increasingly vulnerable to crime, with mothers and sisters fearing to go to shops and children unable to play in the streets. Khumalo questioned the operational capacity of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), alleging there were not enough officers to ensure adequate police presence.

He argued that weaknesses within the department had allowed criminals to believe they could commit offenses without facing consequences. Khumalo recounted a recent experience where he saw only South African Police Service (SAPS) officers on the N12 freeway towards Daveyton on his way to church, highlighting the lack of police visibility.

He also pointed out that the EMPD's shift system and the condition of its vehicles were concerning, with many police cars being out of service rather than deployed in communities. Khumalo called for more personnel and the introduction of technology to enhance crime prevention, law enforcement and accountability across Ekurhuleni.

He urged authorities to have better information about movement into and out of the metro to prevent and respond to crime effectively. Khumalo concluded that the metro had become a "free-pass land for each and every criminal that wants to commit a crime."