A sexual harassment scandal has hit the City of Ekurhuleni, this time the Chief of Police, Isaac Mapiyeye, is fingered.
The Star has seen documents from the victim (name withheld) where she reported sexual harassment, and intimidation and provided her medical report.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) employee narrated the events in a document that has been leaked to the media.
“On 4 July 2024, I submitted notice of my intention to open a formal case against the Chief of Police I.J Mapiyeye on sexual harassment and behaviour unbecoming of an officer.
“On the 12 of July 2024, I submitted my formal complaint and ensured that I have no contact with Mapiyeye by way of blocking his telephonic contact. By the 13 of July 2024, I presume that Mapiyeye was already aware that there was a complaint of sexual harassment against him. I also think that he was fully aware that calling any of my family members was going to be construed as attempting to make contact with me.
“On 13 of July 2024, Mapiyeye called my sister four times at around 10:47 – 13:23. He again called my sister on 21 July 2024 at 14:10 (SEE ATTACHED SCREENSHOT). This was after we had both submitted our statements,” said the victim.
She said the formal case of sexual harassment against Mapiyeye was reported to the head of the department Ms Linda Gasheka (HOD- HR) on July 12 2024.
“On 14 July 2024, I started experiencing anxiety and a low mood. The symptoms were characterised by short breath, headaches, forgetfulness and poor concentration. I then reached out to my psychiatrist (name withheld) on 18 July 2024 who immediately recommended that I be admitted. I was admitted at Life Glynnview Hospital on 29/07/2024 and I am currently being treated for anxiety and major depressive disorder.
“As much as I had to gather all my strength and courage to report this case, I am fully aware that this complaint is against a powerful figure who is also my boss. I believe that Mapiyeye is familiar with our sexual harassment policy and as senior person he is supposed to know what goes against the policy. I find Mapiyeye’s actions as intimidatory and deliberately choose to ignore the rules of charges put before him. hereby request for protection against any form of intimidation and potential secondary harassment from Mapiyeye. I am already feeling isolated in the hospital away from my kids, work and family,” she said.
The Star contacted the victim on Thursday, but after learning she was speaking to a journalist, she hung up.
The doctor in the medical report confirmed that the victim is a known mental health-care user.
“She presented again to the rooms on 12 July 2024 with significant depressive and anxiety features. This seems to have been precipitated by stressors at work, which we had previously discussed with her in 2023 and now have escalated. She had struggled with unwanted sexual advances from the Chief of Police Mapiyeye since 2011, in her previous assessments she had been provided with ways to cope with this and also encouraged to take further action should it continue. She felt overwhelmed after it had come to her attention that she had received the appropriate scores which qualified her to get a promotion to Superintendent but had been denied the position after Mapiyeye allegedly tampered with these scores so that she would then only receive an Inspector position,” said the doctor.
“She has since reported this to HR and further opened a case of sexual harassment, however, she has been traumatised by Mapiyeye contacting her family member after having done this.
“The doctor made a few recordings including she takes medication and that HR look into claims that her scores had been tampered with and that she surrenders her weapon as well as Mapiyeye be instructed to surrender his weapon until this case is concluded.”
Another source within the department also alleged that under Mapiyeye, there is a surge in the promotion of female staff from constable to higher positions like superintendent in the EMPD.
Meanwhile, a council meeting is underway in Germiston, among items on the agenda is the issue of alleged misconduct by Mapiyeye.
It is yet to be known whether a report into his investigation will be released or not, this is after the EFF in Gauteng demanded for it to be released.
The EFF said the Chief of Police has been under investigation for an extended period for allegedly assaulting a heavily pregnant woman who was a contracted security guard with the City of Ekurhuleni.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the alleged sexual misconduct matter is being discussed in council and the mayor will host a media briefing during the day.
“The resolution will be communicated after the council,” Dlamini said.
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za