In recent weeks, there have been claims circulating that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) had been on a “fines holiday” due to internal system failures. This followed allegations that the EMPD’s traffic fines system has been non-functional since October 2024, following the expiry of the contract with the road safety and fine management service provider. The city, however, has strongly refuted these claims.

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EMPD Refutes Claims of Non-Functional System

During a media briefing on February 3, city officials, including Acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, rejected the allegations, clarifying that the internal resources of the city had continued to capture and process fines since the service provider’s contract ended in September 2024. The city dismissed the claims as a smear campaign, aimed at hindering the progress of Ekurhuleni’s digital transformation efforts.

Moloko Monyepao, the city’s Chief Information Officer, provided further insight into the situation. According to Monyepao, the city had been working for several years on transitioning to a new, more efficient digital system for traffic fine management. This was in line with Ekurhuleni’s long-term goal of becoming a smart city. Despite challenges, including resistance from the outgoing service provider, the city managed to launch the Integrated Law Enforcement Management System (ILEMS) in January 2025.

Challenges with the Transition

The transition from the previous system provider, Syntell, had been a lengthy and contested process. The contract with Syntell expired in June 2024, and although the city had attempted to initiate a handover before the contract’s end, the provider delayed the process. The legal department had to intervene, and by December, the data was finally transferred, enabling the city to implement its new system. Monyepao explained that the city is still in the process of analysing fines issued between October and December, which were likely captured by Syntell before the handover.

New Digital System Promises Improved Service Delivery

The new ILEMS platform is expected to streamline the processing and management of fines, improving efficiency and service delivery. The system is a step towards Ekurhuleni’s vision of becoming a smart city, using advanced technologies like biometric systems and license plate recognition tools. The city aims to reduce its dependency on external service providers, especially after identifying the high costs associated with outsourcing services like traffic fine management.

Investigations and Future Developments

The city’s legal department is currently investigating potential collusion between internal staff and the service provider, as well as examining the processes followed during the contract transition. Meanwhile, EMPD officials, including Acting Chief Mkhwanazi, assured residents that the department is addressing resource shortages, including procurement of new vehicles and protective gear for officers.

Despite the challenges, the EMPD remains committed to modernising its operations to ensure a safer, more efficient city for all residents.