WATCH | Retired EMPD deputy chief on blue-light scandal | Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission resumed on Monday with retired Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief of Police, Revo Spies, continuing his testimony on the blue-light saga in the municipality.

This is a scandal exposing deep-rooted corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

On Friday, Spies’ evidence drew a direct line between suspended EMPD deputy Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces attempted murder charges.

Central to the revelations were allegations that Mkhwanazi unlawfully authorised the installation of police blue lights on Matlala’s private vehicles, effectively granting him official privileges.

The commission also heard damning testimony from suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, who accused Mkhwanazi of turning the department into a personal fiefdom.

According to Mapiyeye, his deputy (Mkhwanazi) secretly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Matlala’s security company, CAT VIP, to provide security services to the municipality — a move Mapiyeye said was made without his knowledge or approval.

Mapiyeye further alleged that while he was on leave, Mkhwanazi orchestrated a campaign of patronage, fast-tracking promotions for 55 loyalists, registering Matlala’s vehicles under the city, and attempting to facilitate a questionable vehicle donation that never materialised.

The Commission proceedings, will take place at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.

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