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JMPD bans take-home vehicles after petrol stations block fuel cards

Published

Johannesburg metro police chief Patrick Jaca issued a directive on Wednesday that stops staff taking work vehicles home. Some petrol stations withdrew fuel support after the department's accounts went unpaid and reached credit limits.

The directive also bars personal use of state vehicles. It orders departmental vehicles to be parked at designated facilities after staff finish their duties. The aim is to conserve the limited fuel the department has left.

The directive says the restrictions will safeguard the department's limited resources and reduce disruption to essential policing services. Jaca described the fuel shortage as a "significant risk to operational continuity".

The directive warns that failure to comply may lead to appropriate disciplinary action.

Key facts

Who
Patrick Jaca (JMPD chief of police); Xolani Fihla (JMPD spokesperson); Johannesburg metro police department (law enforcement agency whose fuel shortage is reported); Lebogang Ndawo (regional SAMWU spokesperson)
What
JMPD chief Patrick Jaca issued a directive on Wednesday barring staff from taking work vehicles home and ordering departmental vehicles parked at designated facilities after completing duties, to conserve limited fuel. Some petrol stations withdrew fuel support after reaching credit limits.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Johannesburg, Randburg, Soweto
Status
Reported

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