The City of Johannesburg is set to officially welcome Patrick Jaca as the new Chief of Police for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in a fitting ceremony at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, on 3 April 2025. It is a momentous occasion for the city’s law enforcement agency as Jaca takes the reins, ushering in a new era of policing.

City Leadership Support City Speaker of the City of Johannesburg, Nobuhle Mthembu, sent her warmest congratulations to Jaca on his appointment, commenting on his service and dedication to public safety.

“Chief of Police Patrick Jaca, I take this chance to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your approval as Chief of Police of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) by the City of Johannesburg Council in full sitting,” stated Mthembu.

“With over three decades of experience in public safety, your dedication, sacrificial spirit, and passion to serve the people truly stand out. I am sure that these will bear a very positive effect on the city as well as its people.”

She also appreciated JMPD leadership, City of Johannesburg Mayoral Committee members, and all councillors of all political parties for trusting Jaca’s leadership.

“Having had the privilege of working with you previously in your role as Regional Operations Command in my area, Region F1, I am more than confident in your ability and capabilities. I look forward to working with you as we strive to create a safer, crime-free city for all,” she added.

An experienced Commander for a crucial job, Jaca formally accepted his appointment as Chief of Police on 1 February 2025 following his recommendation by the Johannesburg Metro Council. The appointment has been ratified unanimously, with MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku, thanking him for his integrity and vision.

“Chief Jaca’s profound experience and unwavering commitment to justice make him the ideal leader to lead JMPD to excellence and ensure a safer Johannesburg for everyone,” Tshwaku told media recently.

Jaca’s life, from Alexandra Township, is an example of determination and uncompromising commitment to service. He began his career in policing in 1988 at the Alexandra Traffic Department and later joined the JMPD in 2001. The decade witnessed him moving up the ranks, doing creditably in crime prevention, by-law enforcement, and community policing. His leadership is defined by discipline, forward policing, and strategic innovation.

Priorities for a safer Johannesburg under Jaca’s leadership, the JMPD will be implementing a series of strategic initiatives to improve public safety as well as enforce the law more effectively. His priorities are:

•Strengthening the By-law Management Unit to ensure stricter enforcement.

•Increasing the Inner-City Rejuvenation Project to restore safety and order.

• Increasing crime intelligence to assist in controlling violent crime and organized syndicates.

•Improving road safety and traffic management to reduce fatalities.

• Building public trust through ethics and accountability in policing.

• Increasing officer presence and response times in hotspots.

• Using technology to have smarter crime prevention and traffic systems.

Despite the challenges ahead, Jaca is optimistic about the future of policing in Johannesburg. “We are at a turning point. My focus is on creating a disciplined, proactive force that rebuilds trust with the community and acts decisively against crime,” he said recently in an interview.

A vision for the future Jaca envisions JMPD with professionalism, innovation, and integrity. His vision of recruiting job posts, forging partnerships, and applying technology is going to transform the department into an unconquerable force in crime fighting.

“We will create a force that is feared by criminals but respected by people. By setting the very highest standards of service, we will make Johannesburg safe for all,” he pledged.

As the city prepares to celebrate Jaca’s inauguration, expectations have been revived that his government will introduce the long-sought transformation in Johannesburg policing and lead the metropolis to its aspired safe and prosperous position.