Criminals beware: There’s a new sheriff in town and he’s taking no prisoners. You better step off the sidewalk or he’ll take you down in a flash.
And all those metro cops who have grown fat from “cold drinks”, know that your days are numbered. Chief David Tembe, the newly inaugurated head of the Joburg Metropolitan Police Department, is the new broom clearing the debris to usher in new professionalism and pride within the force.
Following his inauguration by the Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-General Deliwe de Lange on Tuesday, March 6 2018, at the Nasrec Showgrounds, Chief Tembe vowed to be a pain for bad apples within JMPD and a cheerleader for upright police officers.
Taking the oath of office, Chief Tembe pledged before the guests, who included Independent Police Investigative Directorate head and former Ekurhuleni Metro Police boss Robert McBride, former JMPD chief Chris Ngcobo and City Manager Dr Ndivho Lukhwareni, that: “On my honour, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will uphold the constitution and community I serve.”
Chief Tembe’s inauguration saw a parade of JMPD officers welcoming their new commander-in-chief with a massive salute from JMPD, Emergency Services officers, Equestrian and the K9 Units. This was followed by a synchronised police vehicle display and loud sirens alerting all criminals in town that their time is now up, a new captain is taking the reins. The celebration was sealed with the JMPD Brass Band and choir adding a musical flair to the day’s festivity.
To ensure success, Chief Tembe urged his direct reports that office politics and cliques will now be a thing of the past as the JMPD charts a new way forward.
“To my directors, deputy directors, chief superintendents, I expect you to focus on the mission and on the needs of those for whom you are responsible. You are responsible for the safety of the community,” said Chief Tembe.
Some of the new weapons in his arsenal to drive away crime and grime in the City of include:
• Preventative policising and patrolling of high-risk areas;
• Establishing an information management system to share crime data with the South African Police Service;
• Increasing CCTV cameras in public areas;
• Unleashing anti-fraud technology;
• Putting up warning signs in high-risk areas for pedestrians and tourists;
• Effective street lighting in high-risk areas;
• Partnering with private security companies and businesses; and
• Strengthening Operation Buya Mthetho and by-law enforcement.
Congratulating the newly inaugurated JMPD chief, City of Joburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba said metro officers were the new administration’s main asset in ensuring that law and order is restored and investors are encouraged to take up opportunities to create employment for residents.
“The City is relying on you, Chief Tembe, and your officers in ensuring we turn the fortunes of Johannesburg around and bring prosperity and dignity to our people. Residents of the City voted for change. They must see it happen,” said Mayor Mashaba.
After serving for close to 20 years with the Emergency Management Services, Chief Tembe was appointed Director of Operations for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) in 2003.
