In a major governance shake-up, the City of Ekurhuleni has officially reinstated Lt-Col. Kelebogile Thepa as the spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), following her high-impact appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The announcement comes after months of controversy involving allegations of harassment, threats, and improper suspension tied to the explosive “blue light scandal” that has rocked the municipality.

JUST IN: Kelebogile Thepa has been reinstated as EMPD Spokesperson after testifying at the Madlanga Commission. #UpdateAtNoon #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/ZHMxKzGnng

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) November 17, 2025

A Decision Driven by Transparency & Governance Reform

The City of Ekurhuleni said Thepa’s reinstatement followed an internal review aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public communication within the EMPD.

City Manager Kagiso Lerutla described the move as part of a renewed effort to restore confidence in the city’s law enforcement structures.

“Professional, consistent and accountable communication is essential for any law enforcement agency operating in a constitutional democracy,” Lerutla said.

He emphasized that reinstating the EMPD’s Media and Public Relations Unit, and returning Thepa to her role, is a “corrective governance measure” aligned with the city’s broader Renewal Programme, which champions clean governance and institutional integrity.

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Thepa’s Explosive Testimony at the Madlanga Commission

Last week, Thepa delivered damning testimony before the Madlanga Commission, which is probing alleged corruption across the criminal justice system.

She described a hostile working environment where she was:

• Threatened
• Harassed
• Forcefully removed from her position

Thepa linked these events directly to the way she handled inquiries into the blue light saga, an incident involving the alleged unlawful installation of municipal blue lights on vehicles linked to prominent individuals.

She stated that the EMPD media unit had angered city management by responding transparently to journalists’ questions regarding the scandal.

Her testimony also implicated suspended Deputy Police Chief Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi, who has been accused of assisting in fitting municipal blue lights onto the vehicle of Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala.

City Distances Reinstatement from Ongoing Investigations

While acknowledging the issues raised during the hearings, the city stressed that Thepa’s reinstatement is administrative and not an indication of the commission’s findings.

“This administrative intervention does not pre-empt the outcomes of the commission or any labour processes,” Lerutla said.
“We will continue to fully cooperate with the Madlanga Commission.”

The city added that the move ensures all communication functions now operate within an approved organisational structure, with proper oversight and accountability mechanisms.

A History of Attacks and Intimidation

Thepa also told the commission that she survived a violent attack in Tembisa in 2023, which she believes was work-related.

She said the former City Manager, Imogen Mashazi, was displeased with her handling of the blue light controversy, a dispute that ultimately led to her suspension.

Her reinstatement signals what observers view as a critical turning point in the city’s approach to whistle-blowing, media transparency and internal conduct.

What Thepa’s Return Means for the EMPD

The city’s decision is being widely interpreted as:

• A restoration of accountability within municipal policing
• A step toward reclaiming public trust
• A message that transparent communication will be protected, not punished

As the Madlanga Commission continues to unravel deeper layers of alleged corruption, Thepa’s reinstatement may become a defining moment in Ekurhuleni’s governance reform efforts.

FAQ

1. Who is Kelebogile Thepa?

Kelebogile Thepa is a Lieutenant Colonel and the official spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). She is known for her professional communication work and her recent testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption in the Ekurhuleni municipality.

2. Why was Kelebogile Thepa reinstated as EMPD spokesperson?

She was reinstated after an internal governance review concluded that the EMPD’s media and communications units needed to operate within an approved structure. The city said her reinstatement strengthens transparency, accountability and clean governance within the EMPD.

3. Was Kelebogile Thepa suspended?

Yes. She was previously suspended under controversial circumstances after handling media inquiries related to the blue light scandal. Her testimony revealed she faced harassment, intimidation and forceful removal from her position.

4. What did Thepa reveal at the Madlanga Commission?

She testified about:

• Being threatened and harassed
• Being removed from her position
• Pressure to suppress information about the blue lights saga
• Her belief that the attack she suffered in 2023 was work-related
  Her testimony implicated senior officials in misconduct.

5. What is the blue light scandal?

The scandal involves allegations that municipal blue lights were unlawfully installed on vehicles linked to private individuals. Suspended EMPD acting chief Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi is accused of helping install these lights on Vusi “CAT” Matlala’s vehicle.

6. Did the City of Ekurhuleni act because of the commission’s findings?

No. The city clarified the reinstatement is an administrative and governance decision, not a response to the commission’s yet-to-be-released findings.

7. What does Thepa’s reinstatement mean for the EMPD?

It signals a renewed commitment to:

• Transparent communication
• Proper governance structures
• Accountability within law enforcement
• Protecting employees who promote openness

8. Is the Madlanga Commission still ongoing?

Yes. Hearings continue, with multiple senior officials expected to give evidence as investigations into corruption and misconduct deepen.

9. Will there be consequences for those implicated in her testimony?

Consequences will depend on the final report of the Madlanga Commission and the outcomes of various internal labour and disciplinary processes.

10. Where can I watch the Madlanga Commission proceedings?

Proceedings are broadcast live by eNCA and streamed on the network’s digital platforms, with daily recaps available on major South African news sites.