Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi testified on Wednesday at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that former Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayor Tania Campbell was “very pleased” with VIP protection services provided by controversial tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company ahead of her 2022 State of the City Address (SOCA).
Mkhwanazi, facing allegations of corruption and unlawfully enabling Matlala’s private vehicles to operate as pseudo-police units with blue lights and sirens, claimed the partnership was transparent and known to top municipal officials, including Campbell and suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye.
“The Alderman [Mayor Tanya Campbell] was happy. She said to me thank you. She was sitting with her husband and her staff and was very pleased with the service of the security company,” Mkhwanazi told the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
He justified involving Matlala’s CAT VIP Protection after a threat analysis flagged risks of disruption by the opposition African National Congress (ANC) during the DA-led coalition’s event. Mkhwanazi said EMPD’s specialised units recommended CAT VIP for its “highly trained” personnel, including ex-SAPS and SANDF members skilled in combat, snipers, kidnappings, hijackings, and disasters.
“You can’t take a company that’s appointed to provide guarding services to provide VIP protection. It doesn’t work like that because guarding means those securities are static wherever they’re stationed. On the other hand, you had this Cat VIP with highly trained officers from SAPS and SANDF,” Mkhwanazi explained, insisting the services were provided free of charge as a “marketing strategy.”
Mkhwanazi admitted personally introducing Matlala to Campbell’s office staff in Germiston and confirmed CAT VIP’s inclusion in the official SOCA operational plan, signed off by Mapiyeye. He denied authorising blue lights or vehicle registrations, claiming a proposed donation of Matlala’s old fleet to EMPD never materialised due to internal pushback.
The testimony contradicts earlier evidence of irregular memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed by Mkhwanazi in 2021, allowing Matlala’s firms – CAT VIP and Medicare24 – to register private vehicles as municipal assets without approval. An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe in 2023 found these actions unlawful, recommending disciplinary steps.
On Thursday, Mkhwanazi’s evidence escalated with admissions of receiving multiple cash payments from Matlala – up to R30,000 – for funerals, petrol, food, and emergencies, which he denied were bribes. He described Matlala as a “blood brother,” revealing near-daily contact, shared meals, and Matlala funding three siblings’ funerals. Mkhwanazi also said he “prayed” for Matlala to win a R360 million SAPS tender, after Matlala promised him early retirement and business opportunities.
The revelations have drawn sharp political fire. ActionSA Ekurhuleni spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala accused Campbell of turning a “blind eye” to the criminality, calling her “incompetent.” Current Mayor Dr. Xhakaza previously demanded the DA explain Matlala’s alleged infiltration under its watch.
The DA and Campbell could not be reached for comment. Their response will be added once received.
The Madlanga Commission, probing criminal infiltration in the justice system, continues with Mkhwanazi’s testimony amid broader scrutiny of Matlala’s alleged cartel ties, including drug trafficking and tender fraud. Hearings resume Friday.