Former City of Ekurhuleni Divisional Head for Employee Relations, Xolani Nciza, has made damning allegations of corruption, maladministration, and nepotism within the municipality — particularly in its law enforcement arm, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
Nciza delivered animated testimony before the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Criminality, Corruption and Political Interference in the Criminal Justice System, also known as the Madlanga Commission, currently sitting in Pretoria.
His evidence added to growing claims of systemic corruption within the EMPD, echoing earlier testimony from suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye and former divisional commissioner Revo Spies. Both had previously described the immense power and alleged criminal involvement of EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who has been linked to murder and alleged collusion with suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
‘Mafikizolo’ Who Rose to Power
Nciza recounted Mkhwanazi’s rapid rise through the EMPD ranks, describing it as irregular and deeply suspicious.
“Here you have this mafikizolo — and I mean mafikizolo literally — the newcomer who just arrived and immediately acts when a divisional head is away,” Nciza told the Commission.
“He gets to be the boss of people who have been there longer, are more experienced, more qualified, but they never get the chance to act.”
Nciza claimed that whenever EMPD Chief Mapiyeye was on leave, suspension or special leave, Mkhwanazi was automatically appointed as acting chief.
He argued that this violated the City’s own rules, which require acting positions to be rotated fairly among qualified senior staff.
“Council rules say acting opportunities must be rotated, but here rules are bent just to accommodate, promote and protect this one person,” Nciza said.
Alleged Protection from Senior Officials
Nciza further alleged that Mkhwanazi enjoyed protection from senior municipal officials, including City Manager Imogen Mashazi.
“I cannot think of anything in the City’s rules or work requirements that would require the City Manager to work so closely with Mr Mkhwanazi, but she did — and she made sure he’s protected. I don’t know why,” Nciza said.
“I can only speculate that they know each other from somewhere — something personal, not work-related.”
Mashazi has denied any wrongdoing, though she has not publicly clarified the nature of her relationship with Mkhwanazi.
Pattern of Power and Alleged Criminal Links
Nciza’s testimony aligns with previous evidence presented to the Commission, suggesting a pattern of manipulation and interference within the EMPD. Earlier witnesses described how Mkhwanazi allegedly leveraged his position for personal gain and was connected to serious criminal activities, including murder and collusion with organised crime figures.
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established to probe alleged criminality, corruption, and political interference in the country’s law enforcement agencies and justice system.
Culture of Fear and Favouritism
Nciza told the Commission that many employees within the City of Ekurhuleni were too afraid to speak out due to intimidation and victimisation.
“The culture of fear has taken root. People who question decisions or raise red flags are sidelined or pushed out,” he said.
He added that years of political interference had eroded professionalism within the municipality and the EMPD, resulting in collapsed internal controls and widespread mistrust.
Commission Continues Hearings
The Commission is expected to hear from more witnesses in the coming weeks as it investigates a network of alleged corruption linking municipal officials, police officers, and criminal syndicates.
Meanwhile, both Mkhwanazi and Mashazi have maintained their innocence and are yet to testify before the Commission.