Sex, Power and Silence: Mashazi alleges EMPD Chief Mapiyeye abused female officers | Madlanga Commission

Former Ekurhuleni city manager, Imogen Mashazi, has accused suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye of having sexual relations with his female subordinates, but conceded under oath that she failed to investigate the claims. 

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, Mashazi said she instead urged victims to stand up for themselves.

She painted a grim picture of what she described as a culture of fear and abuse inside the EMPD under Mapiyeye’s leadership.

She alleged that several female officers reported sexual harassment, coercion, and even rape at Mapiyeye, accusations she admitted were never formalised in writing, and which she took no official steps to probe.

“It was reported to me that the chief of police, Isaac Mapiyeye, fathered multiple children with subordinates who were vulnerable to his abuse of power, including conduct that amounted to sexual harassment, coercion and rape,” she told the commission.

Instead of launching investigations or initiating disciplinary processes, Mashazi said she opted for a “development programme” intended to empower the complainants, a decision that sparked immediate and intense scrutiny from commissioners.

“There was no written complaint,” she said.

The hearing grew heated when Co-Commissioner Adv. Sesi Baloyi pressed Mashazi about her claims, especially her suggestion that an EMPD officer, Kelebogile Thepa, may have “played along” with Mapiyeye’s alleged advances.

Mashazi confirmed she was alleging a sexual relationship between the two.

Baloyi asked whether she had evidence to back the claim and whether it would be included in a supplementary affidavit.

A visibly irritated Mashazi responded by questioning why former HR head Xolani Nciza was not similarly scrutinised when he accused her of “extramural activities” with former EMPD official Julius Mkhwanazi.

Baloyi reminded her that she was appearing as a witness and urged her to answer questions directly.

Mashazi also claimed that at least one woman was forced to withdraw an assault case against Mapiyeye and cited four separate incidents involving allegations of assault, coercion or rape.

She further accused Mapiyeye of defeating the ends of justice, alleging that he evaded investigation after two suspected drunk-driving incidents, one of which she claimed resulted in a child’s death.

Mashazi told the commission she believes Mapiyeye is “an aggrieved person,” insisting his alleged conduct was suppressed for years.

She also claimed she was forced into early retirement by Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza.

Meanwhile, Mapiyeye is still suspended from his position following alleged sexual misconduct.

The commission continues.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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