By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The City of Ekurhuleni (Coe) has confirmed the reinstatement of Kelebogile Thepa as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson with immediate effect.
Thepa appeared before the Madlanga Commission of inquiry last week, detailing how she was threatened victimized and forcefully removed from her position.
She relived a 2023 incident where she was hijacked and kidnapped by three men after handling a media inquiry to the Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala blue lights saga.
On 2 February 2023, Thepa received a media inquiry regarding the disputed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the EMPD and CAT VIP Protection, which was signed by suspended EMPD deputy commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi.
The letter confirmed an “endless working relationship” and MOU with Matlala’s company to assist EMPD officers in any VIP protection and security services in and out of the City of Ekurhuleni.
Seven of the vehicles were listed in the letter and fitted with blue lights.
She said suspended EMPD deputy police chief Mkhwanazi did not like the way she handled and responded to the media inquiry on the blue light saga.
She also recalled that, prior to the incident, a vehicle had been following her. She investigated it and found it was linked to someone with the surname Mkhwanazi.
In a statement, the Coe says Thepa reinstatement was made after the internal review of EMPD’s communications arrangements and the need to align operational practice with the City’s approved organisational structure, governance prescripts, and communication policies.
Newly appointed City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla, said the move was part of strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the EMPD.
“The reinstatement of the EMPD Media and Public Relations Unit is a corrective governance measure that ensures our communications functions operate within an approved structure, with clear reporting lines and proper oversight, “said Lerutla.
“This step supports our broader Renewal Programme by reinforcing clean governance, institutional integrity and openness to the public we serve.”
Lerutla replaced Dr Imogen Mashazi, who left office on July 31 after reaching the agreed retirement age of 65.
He is a chartered accountant with more than 13 years of senior leadership experience in public finance, governance and institutional reform. He holds a master of business administration from Regenesys Business School, a BCom (Honours) in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg, and a BCompt degree from the University of Limpopo.
Before joining the CoE, he served at the Auditor-General of South Africa as assistant audit manager and audit manager, where he gained extensive experience in financial oversight, risk management, and compliance with national treasury frameworks.