The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) faces operational challenges as Afrirent, the fleet management company contracted to supply its vehicles, suspended services due to a staggering R90 million owed by the City of Johannesburg.
JMPD vehicles grounded over R90 million debt
Afrirent was awarded a 30-month, R1.2 billion fleet management contract in 2021. This agreement covered the provision of vehicles to essential city entities, including JMPD, City Power, and Johannesburg Water.
At the time, Afrirent CEO Senzo Tsabedze emphasised the contract’s empowerment focus, noting that R150 million was allocated to black-owned businesses during the initial phase, with R300 million earmarked for further support over the contract’s duration.
As part of this deal, Afrirent delivered 87 BMW vehicles to JMPD for highway patrol and crime prevention, enhancing law enforcement visibility across Johannesburg.
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Afrirent’s suspension of services, confirmed by Tsabedze to News24 on Saturday, 21 December 2024, is not the first controversy surrounding its dealings with the City of Johannesburg.
In November 2022, a dispute over contract renewals led Afrirent to ground JMPD vehicles. At the time, the company claimed continuing operations beyond the contract’s expiration would violate the Municipal Finance Act.
This situation followed allegations of impropriety with Avis Fleet Management, the company that held the previous fleet contract. Afrirent accused Avis of unlawfully extending its contract, sparking a public spat over the city’s fleet management.
Tsabedze announced Afrirent’s decision to halt its fleet services, citing non-payment of R90 million by the City of Johannesburg.
However, JMPD’s continued patrols suggest that alternative arrangements or emergency measures might be in place.
The City of Johannesburg has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations or clarify how it is addressing the fleet management gap.
