The City of Ekurhuleni has terminated the employment of suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi, citing the cumulative impact of several criminal matters, his continued incarceration and delays in internal disciplinary proceedings.
Mkhwanazi’s dismissal comes days after he was granted R10,000 bail in a separate blue-lights corruption case but remained in custody after being denied bail in the murder case involving businessman Emmanuel Mbense.
The City said on Friday that City Manager Kagiso Lerutla made the decision after considering a detailed submission from the Human Resources Department, internal disciplinary proceedings involving Mkhwanazi and evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Mkhwanazi has faced a series of criminal cases this year.
His first arrest, in April, followed his appearance before the Madlanga Commission and related to allegations of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. He was granted R30,000 bail in that matter.
In July, he was arrested in connection with allegations surrounding an internal disciplinary process linked to the blue-lights matter. He was granted R50,000 bail alongside former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi, suspended head of legal services Kemi Behari and former head of human resources Linda Gxasheka.
Days later, Mkhwanazi was arrested in connection with an alleged bogus police raid involving precious stones valued at approximately R14.9 million. He was granted R5,000 bail.
His fourth arrest was in connection with the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. Mkhwanazi and five co-accused face charges including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
The Brakpan Magistrate’s Court denied bail to all six accused on 15 September, finding that they had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting their release.
The State alleges that Mbense was assaulted and killed at his home in April 2022 after being suspected of involvement in the theft of copper, and that his body was subsequently dumped at Spaarwater Dam near Nigel. The accused have denied involvement in the killing.
While the Mbense bail proceedings were under way, Mkhwanazi also faced another matter linked to allegations surrounding blue lights fitted to private vehicles connected to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security companies.
He was granted R10,000 bail in that matter by the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on 14 September. However, he remained in custody because of the separate Mbense murder case.
EWN reported that the latest bail ruling meant Mkhwanazi had been granted bail in four separate matters, while his bail application in the Mbense murder case had been refused.
The City said Mkhwanazi’s continued incarceration, repeated court appearances and delays in the internal disciplinary process had created difficulties for the EMPD.
“The City considered, among other factors, the seriousness of the matters, Mr Mkhwanazi’s seniority within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the connection between the allegations and his official responsibilities, and the resulting impact on the integrity and reputation of the municipality,” the City said.
It added that the uncertainty surrounding the criminal proceedings had affected the department’s need for stable leadership, an active command presence and ethical leadership.
“The City Manager determined that termination was necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the municipality and the communities it serves,” the statement said.
The municipality said the dismissal formed part of its broader governance renewal programme, aimed at strengthening internal controls, organisational discipline and public confidence.
However, the City stressed that the employment decision should not be interpreted as a finding of criminal guilt.
“The criminal charges against Mr Mkhwanazi remain matters for the courts, and he retains the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the City said.
Mkhwanazi’s dismissal brings his tenure as one of the senior commanders within the EMPD to an end while several criminal proceedings against him remain before the courts.
