Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating cartel infiltration in the criminal justice system, where he will be questioned about a string of serious allegations spanning murders, cover-ups and corruption.
Mkhwanazi, who was placed on special leave earlier this year, has been directly implicated by multiple witnesses, including convicted criminal Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Last week, Matlala told the committee that he enjoyed a close friendship with Mkhwanazi and “donated” several vehicles to the City of Ekurhuleni as part of an arrangement with the deputy chief.
However, former EMPD Commissioner Revo Spies dismissed the claim as a sham. “We never received any cars. The municipality was forced to pay for the registration discs, yet not a single vehicle was handed over. There was no donation – we were simply swindled,” Spies testified.
Blue Lights on Private Security Vehicles
Mkhwanazi is also expected to explain how vehicles belonging to Cat VIP Security – a company owned by Matlala – were fitted with unauthorised blue lights, a privilege reserved for official emergency vehicles.
Murder Cover-Up and Questionable Promotions
Further allegations include Mkhwanazi’s alleged role in covering up a murder committed by officers under his direct command. His own qualifications and rank have also come under fire after Spies revealed that Mkhwanazi promoted himself to a senior position he was not entitled to and wore incorrect insignia.
Adding to the controversy, a video has surfaced apparently showing Mkhwanazi assisting a criminal during a robbery at a copper dealership.
Former City Manager Distances Herself
On Tuesday, former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi concluded her testimony, strongly denying any close relationship with Mkhwanazi or turning a blind eye to his conduct. She told the committee that shortly after joining the EMPD, Mkhwanazi unlawfully appointed 55 individuals – including several directors – to strategic positions without following proper procedure.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on the Stand
National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, began testifying this week and is scheduled to return on Thursday. Represented by renowned advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, Mchunu has already defended his controversial decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team, insisting it was always intended to be a temporary structure.
As the inquiry intensifies, South Africans are watching closely to see whether Mkhwanazi will finally answer for the mounting allegations against him – accusations that strike at the heart of trust in law enforcement in one of the country’s largest metros.