Ekurhuleni, South Africa — The head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s Media and Public Relations Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, brought chilling revelations to light recently regarding a violent incident she endured, which she claims is linked to her work on a controversial case. The attack stems from her involvement in addressing media queries about the ongoing “blue lights” scandal, which has resulted in the suspension of Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.
During her testimony before a commission, Thepa, visibly shaken, recounted how three armed men confronted her in July 2023 while she was returning from visiting her late mother’s gravesite. The men demanded her phone and issued threats that underscored her role in the department’s handling of sensitive media inquiries connected to the scandal. She shared harrowing details, noting that the assailants not only physically assaulted her but also made it clear that her professional endeavors were the reason for the attack.
The confrontation escalated as one attacker aimed a firearm at her, leaving her feeling both terrified and dehumanized. “They wanted my phone and information, not the car or cash,” she alleged. After the assault, Thepa was abandoned in Ivory Park, having lost consciousness during the ordeal. Subsequently, she filed a report for kidnapping, although the police initially resisted processing it due to her concern that a family vehicle involved would be stripped for parts.
Reflecting on her background, Thepa described her journey from a law graduate and journalist to the first female spokesperson for the EMPD, appointed in 2021. Her role necessitated public representation and engagement with the media, positioning her at the center of scrutiny as the blue lights controversy gained traction.
The situation intensified following a pivotal inquiry on February 2, 2023, when journalist Jeff Wicks sought comment regarding troubling documents that suggested Mkhwanazi allowed a private security firm’s vehicles to be improperly registered as EMPD patrol cars, complete with police emergency lights. Wicks provided evidence, including a letter that appeared to formalize a questionable arrangement with the security company, raising alarms about potential fraud.
Upon reviewing the documents, Thepa promptly approached acting EMPD chief Revo Spies, who agreed that the dealings warranted further investigation. As media coverage intensified, it became clear that demands for accountability were echoing throughout the community. Thepa urged for an official statement from the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD, but was met with opposition from city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, who instructed her to refrain from further comments.
In the midst of this controversy, Dlamini made statements regarding the luxury vehicles, which Thepa refuted as inaccurate, further complicating the department’s public image. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate then initiated its investigation, prompting Thepa to provide her account, albeit initially hesitantly due to fears of retaliation.
Later developments revealed that Mkhwanazi had targeted her credibility, branding her a “dirty cop” in an apparent attempt to undermine her. Thepa noted that even high-ranking officials like Chief Spies shared her fears of insufficient protection within the department, remarking on the pervasive influence of the blue lights scandal.
Her experience not only highlights the personal dangers faced by whistleblowers but also illustrates the far-reaching implications of corruption within powerful networks. As the commission continues its investigations, Thepa’s testimony serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many public servants encounter in their pursuit of transparency and accountability.