Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has defended the municipality’s delay in suspending Metro Police Deputy Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, following explosive allegations revealed by the Madlanga Commission.
The Commission heard that Mkhwanazi allegedly called his own SWAT team to clean up a murder scene in Brakpan and approved the installation of blue lights on private vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Speaking during the unveiling of new vehicles for the city’s Festive Season Safety Campaign on Wednesday in Kempton Park, Xhakaza said the City acted as soon as credible information became available.
“I’m not making excuses, but there have been various changes in leadership,” he said. “As the third mayor of Ekurhuleni, I acted as soon as enough information was brought to us. It was important to allow the internal investigation to tell us what happened.”
Mkhwanazi was officially suspended on Tuesday, after being placed on special leave in October.
The mayor said the City is committed to cleaning up its law enforcement structures amid reports that more than 275 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers have criminal records.
“We need to clean the system and get rid of wrong elements. Those who have committed crimes must face action,” Xhakaza said.
City Manager Kagiso Lerutla described the revelations from the Madlanga Commission as “shocking and deeply concerning.”
“It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate,” Lerutla said. “We are launching an independent internal investigation into the new allegations within the EMPD and will act decisively on its findings without fear or favour.”
