Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 23 October 2025 | 14:38 CAT

Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku with SAPS officers during discussions following the arrest of seven JMPD officers. 📷 (Image Credits: Rosetta Msimango/News24)

Tensions have escalated between the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the arrest of seven JMPD officers in Bekkersdal on the West Rand last Friday. Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku expressed outrage over what he described as “unjust and careless” arrests, while SAPS maintains that its members acted within the law.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Tshwaku explained that on 17 October, the JMPD Technical Action Unit acted on intelligence regarding a suspected stolen Toyota Hilux belonging to an illegal mining kingpin. “Two individuals emerged from the premises and fled very quickly, jumping over the back wall and damaging the electric fence, this confirmed the intelligence operation,” he said.

However, when the officers were examining the vehicle, SAPS officers allegedly appeared, pointed firearms at them, confiscated their phones and service weapons, handcuffed them without stating any charges, and took them to a local police station. “They provided no documentation. They did not allow them to make any calls, some of their belongings are missing,” Tshwaku said.

Attempts by JMPD internal affairs to investigate were reportedly met with resistance. Officers were “rudely chased out” of one station and denied access to information, while charges in court were repeatedly altered before the officers were granted bail of R4,000. Tshwaku criticized senior officials for issuing statements without verifying facts. “This is not the first time we have problems if our colleagues are going to treat us as if we were thugs and criminals, it’s not going to fly with us,” he said.

The MMC highlighted that operational challenges persist at the ground level. “We deal with undercover operations cracking drugs, illegal alcohol, and other criminal activity, yet when we present evidence, some stations refuse to follow legal procedures,” he explained. Tshwaku noted similar issues have affected Metro officers in Ekurhuleni, where even shootings of officers have gone unresolved.

While Tshwaku confirmed strong relationships with provincial and district leadership, he stressed that resistance at some police stations undermines cooperation. “The officers on the ground, they don’t play. They arrest anything they see, regardless of agreements or frameworks,” he said.

Tshwaku has called on the premier and the NMC of Cogta to mediate and clarify the framework for collaboration between JMPD and SAPS. He emphasized that accountability and proper procedures are critical for rebuilding public trust.

“The framework of cooperation must be respected at all levels. Until this is addressed, tensions and mistrust will continue to hamper effective policing in Johannesburg,” Tshwaku concluded.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku.