In a dramatic escalation of accountability measures, the City of Ekurhuleni has placed its embattled Deputy Chief of Police, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, on immediate suspension following damning testimony at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System—widely known as the Madlanga Commission.
The suspension, confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday, comes just days after retired Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies delivered a chilling two-day account of alleged atrocities committed under Mkhwanazi’s command. Spies accused the deputy chief and members of his elite “specialised unit” of torturing an unidentified man to death in 2022, then orchestrating a cover-up—with Mkhwanazi personally involved in sanitising the crime scene and disposing of the body in a nearby river to avoid detection.
“This action comes as the City leadership closely monitors the serious allegations emerging from the ongoing Madlanga Commission,” the municipality stated. “We are unequivocally committed to clean governance, accountability, and restoring public trust.”
Current City Manager Kagiso Lerutla did not mince words in his response to the revelations. “The testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is both shocking and deeply concerning,” he said. “It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate.”
Lerutla announced the launch of an immediate and independent internal investigation into new allegations of misconduct within the EMPD. This probe will run parallel to a previously completed “audit investigation” that had already placed Mkhwanazi on special leave since September 2025 amid separate Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) cases.
The city emphasised that the new inquiry’s scope will expand as required, incorporating any further evidence or leads uncovered during the commission’s ongoing proceedings. “We will act decisively on its findings, without fear or favour,” Lerutla pledged.
A Web of Alleged Criminality and Political Protection
Spies, who testified under oath on Tuesday and Wednesday, painted a picture of a rogue unit operating with impunity under Mkhwanazi’s leadership. He alleged that the deputy chief not only enabled violent excesses but actively shielded his officers from accountability.
Adding fuel to the fire, both Spies and the recently suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye accused former City Manager Imogen Mashazi of complicity. They claimed Mashazi turned a blind eye to Mkhwanazi’s alleged crimes and systematically purged senior officers who attempted to expose or discipline him.
“Anyone who tried to hold Mkhwanazi accountable was removed,” Spies told the commission. “It was a culture of fear.”
Mapiyeye echoed this, stating that internal complaints and disciplinary processes were repeatedly blocked or buried during Mashazi’s tenure.
Ties to Accused Criminal “Cat” Matlala
Among the most explosive claims: Mkhwanazi and select members of his unit allegedly carried out extrajudicial operations on behalf of Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, a controversial figure facing multiple criminal charges.
Evidence presented to the commission included documentation showing that vehicles belonging to Matlala’s private security company were fitted with blue lights—a privilege strictly reserved for law enforcement. Witnesses alleged this was authorised directly by Mkhwanazi as part of a quid pro quo arrangement.
Despite numerous cases opened against Mkhwanazi and his subordinates—including charges related to assault, corruption, and obstruction of justice—both Spies and Mapiyeye expressed grave concern that the officers remain free and, in some instances, still on active duty.
Mkhwanazi’s Defiant Social Media Stunt
In a move that stunned observers, Mkhwanazi posted a series of videos on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night showing himself, his wife, and children joyfully singing and dancing to iconic ANC struggle songs. The caption read simply: “ANC family.”
The posts, widely interpreted as a provocative display of political loyalty amid mounting allegations, were deleted within 48 hours—along with Mkhwanazi’s entire X account—by Thursday morning.
Political analysts suggest the timing was deliberate, possibly signaling reliance on protection from powerful factions within the ruling party. However, sources close to the municipality insist the suspension was driven solely by evidence, not political pressure.
Broader Crisis in EMPD Vetting and Discipline
The Madlanga Commission has also exposed systemic failures in EMPD recruitment and oversight. Earlier testimony revealed that more than 300 serving officers have criminal records—a situation allegedly exacerbated when Mkhwanazi opposed enhanced vetting protocols during his rise through the ranks.
Commission chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe has repeatedly stressed that the inquiry is not a witch hunt but a necessary step toward restoring integrity in South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.
City Vows Zero Tolerance
As the investigation unfolds, the City of Ekurhuleni has committed to full transparency and cooperation with the Madlanga Commission. Disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi are expected to commence once the internal probe concludes.
“This is not just about one individual,” Lerutla concluded. “It’s about rebuilding an institution that serves and protects—all residents, without exception.”
The Madlanga Commission continues its hearings, with more EMPD insiders scheduled to testify in the coming weeks. For a metro police service already under public scrutiny, the stakes have never been higher.