EMPD claims it's able to capture and process fines
This follows an exclusive report by EWN last week which revealed that since September last year, EMPD was unable to process fines after the expiration of a contract with a service provider.
Ekurhuleni Metro police acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) claims it's able to capture and process fines.
This follows an exclusive report by EWN last week which revealed that since September last year, EMPD was unable to process fines after the expiration of a contract with a service provider.
Earlier on Monday the City of Ekurhuleni held a media briefing to clarify the issue.
Several sources within EMPD have challenged the City of Ekurhuleni’s claims that it can process and capture fines. They say the city's internal system for fine administration is not yet up and running.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: EMPD can’t fine you
In September a contract with road safety and fine management service provider, Syntell, expired - leaving the city in the lurch when it comes to issuing fines.
Acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi said despite claims they can’t issue, capture and process fines, they are issuing fines.
"No, no, we are issuing fines. We’ve got fines but what we are doing is that we don’t procure more fine books now, because we have got this new system that is coming in."
Mkhwanazi is referring to an integrated law enforcement management system - a digital system that he admits will need to integrate other departments in order for it to work.
"This system mustn’t only talk to EMPD, the NPA must be part of it, the SAPS must be part of it. That’s what we’re creating now."
It remains unclear what will happen to fines issued between September and now.