Former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) media officer Kelebogile Thepa has described to the Madlanga commission how a single media inquiry about the blue light scandal triggered a series of events that derailed her career. Thepa became visibly emotional during her testimony, requiring a break to compose herself....Click to Read More >>➤

The incident began on February 2, 2023, when Thepa received a media inquiry concerning a disputed memorandum of understanding between the EMPD and CAT VIP Protection. The agreement, signed by suspended EMPD deputy commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, outlined an “endless working relationship” for VIP protection services. The letter listed seven vehicles allegedly fitted with blue lights.

Thepa immediately forwarded the inquiry to retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies, noting the document’s suspicious nature. “The alleged document looked very, very suspicious,” she testified. “What caught my attention was the fact that it was on an EMPD letterhead.” She believed proper authentication was necessary given the circumstances.

Spies investigated and confirmed the letter appeared illegal, requesting Thepa withhold this detail from her media response to prevent evidence destruction. The story broke in early March, generating massive media attention and numerous follow-up inquiries about the investigation’s progress and potential consequences for Mkhwanazi.

As media interest intensified, Thepa suggested the EMPD and city manager’s office issue a joint statement to ensure consistent messaging. However, the city manager’s office instructed her to “back off.” Despite this, the blue light scandal continued gaining traction, particularly when news emerged of Mkhwanazi’s suspension and subsequent return to work.

Ipid Investigation and Growing Threats

The situation escalated when an official from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate contacted Thepa for assistance with their blue light scandal investigation. During multiple meetings, including one at her home, Thepa expressed concerns about the personal risk involved in cooperating.

She challenged the official about his commitment to the case, noting concerns about certain Ipid members being “captured by a certain system.” The official assured her of his full commitment to investigating the blue light scandal thoroughly.

During the home meeting, the official revealed that Mkhwanazi had warned him Thepa was a “dirty cop.” This indicated Mkhwanazi harbored ill will toward anyone involved in exposing the blue light scandal. Thepa realized her transparent handling of the media inquiry and cooperation with Ipid had offended powerful individuals within the department.

The Harrowing Kidnapping Incident

The first direct attack occurred in July 2023. While driving in her Thembisa neighborhood with a neighbor, three men approached her vehicle. One man cocked a firearm at her driver’s side window while another entered the back seat and pressed a gun against her neck.

The assailants made concerning work-related statements during the encounter. “What hurt me the most was that it was things that are work-related,” Thepa recalled. “They wanted a phone from me, and the information which they wanted.” The men forced her into the passenger seat and drove away with both victims.

Throughout the ordeal, the men focused on obtaining information from her phone, repeatedly stating she was “a problem at work.” After driving to Ivory Park, they attempted to force her neighbor to unlock Thepa’s phone. “They didn’t come here for the car. They didn’t come here for the wallet, nor the money,” she testified. “The ultimate thing that was being said consistently was that the phone had information.”

The attackers took her wallet and phone before releasing them. Thepa noted that prior to this blue light scandal-related incident, she had noticed a vehicle following her, which she later connected to someone with the Mkhwanazi surname.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Thepa shared: “When you work with firearms, you think that you have it under control until it happens to you.” Her testimony illustrates the severe professional and personal consequences she faced after handling media inquiries about the EMP ...Click to Read More >>➤