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JMPD Appoints Patrick Jaca as Chief After Five-Year Vacancy
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The City of Johannesburg has officially appointed Patrick Jaca as the permanent head of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), five years after the position became vacant. His appointment, approved unanimously by the city council on Thursday, follows a lengthy vacancy since David Tembe’s resignation in March 2020.
Jaca, 62, emerged as the successful candidate after competing against 74 other applicants. His appointment comes at a time when the city’s leadership in the JMPD has been in flux. Following Tembe’s resignation, Jaca now assumes leadership of the department, which has faced challenges during the prolonged vacancy.
Controversy Surrounds Appointment Process
Despite the council’s approval, the appointment process has raised concerns, particularly from the Democratic Alliance (DA). DA representative Maila questioned the legitimacy of the selection panel and the process that led to Jaca’s appointment. He pointed out that a legal opinion from November/December 2024 had recommended the formation of a new selection panel after the inclusion of Tembe, who resigned as JMPD chief, was deemed inappropriate.
Maila emphasized that certain individuals on the shortlist should not have qualified, referencing legal guidelines outlined in the South African Police Service Amendment Act 83 of 1998. His concerns were focused on the timing of Jaca’s appointment, particularly as Jaca will be turning 62 later this year, with a mandatory retirement age of 63 in the city.
Concerns About Stability in JMPD
Maila expressed his belief that the city could have appointed a younger candidate to help stabilize and professionalize the JMPD, which has been without a permanent chief for almost five years. He warned that Jaca’s retirement could place the department back in the same position as next year, seeking a new leader.
The city’s group corporate and shared services MMC, Loyiso Masuku, responded to the concerns, clarifying that there is no specific compulsory retirement age in the municipality. Masuku explained that the retirement age depends on the pension fund an employee is part of, ranging from 55 to 70 years, with some pension funds offering the option for late retirement. She also noted that the city was working towards a streamlined retirement process for uniformity and legal clarity.
In another key development, ActionSA councillor Sarah Wissler was elected chairperson of the section 79 public safety committee, defeating Maila with 169 votes to his 67. Section 79 committees hold non-executive roles, focusing on specific council functions.
Jaca’s appointment signals an important step for the Johannesburg Metro Police, but the ongoing debates around the appointment process highlight the challenges the city faces in ensuring proper leadership and governance in the department.
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