Ex-Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi Accuses EMPD Chief Of Sexual Harassment And Rape

Former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi has accused suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) chief Isaac Mapiyeye of sexually harassing and even raping female officers under his command.

Mashazi delivered the explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Monday, where she also claimed she had been pushed into early retirement by Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza.

She further argued that the commission had treated her unfairly, insisting she was not given enough time to prepare her evidence. But her gravest allegations centred on Mapiyeye, whom she described as a senior official who “terrorised” vulnerable female subordinates.

Allegations of Abuse and Misconduct Inside the EMPD

Mashazi said she had been informed repeatedly that the police chief was abusing his power and exploiting his position to prey on women within the department.

“It was also 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 reiterated to the commission that she had received reports of sexual misconduct from a group of female officers and claimed Mapiyeye had fathered “multiple children” with them, further alleging he raped one officer.

Commission Questions Imogen Mashazi’s Response

Despite acknowledging years of complaints, Mashazi defended her response by pointing to an initiative aimed at supporting and advancing women in uniform.

However, Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged her handling of the allegations.

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(Madlanga) “So throughout from 2016 to 2025 you are continuing to receive these reports, which tell you that there’s a systemic problem and you do nothing throughout your tenure as municipal manager?”

(Mashazi) “Yes, I take your point. Except to create the platform for them.”

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