WATCH | Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi testifies | Madlanga Commission

Suspended EMPD deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, is testifying at the Madlanga Commission.

Mkhwanazi is accused of leading a SWAT unit that is involved in murder, extortion, kidnapping, theft, and hijacking.

Among other accusations, he is accused of disrespecting and defying orders from his seniors, including suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye.

According to witnesses, who also work at the department, Mkhwanazi’s behaviour stemmed from the fact that he was protected by the former Ekurhuleni city manager, Imogen Mashazi.

He is expected to answer on his role in brokering a controversial deal between the EMPD and two companies owned by tender magnate Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

In 2021, Mkhwanazi unlawfully signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that allowed Matlala’s private security vehicles to be fraudulently registered as municipal assets for Matlala’s personal benefit.

Mkhwanazi has been portrayed as a law unto himself — a commander who routinely defied regulations.

He now stands accused of operating under the protection of his close ally, Mashazi.

While Mashazi attempted this week to downplay her relationship with him during her testimony before the Madlanga Commission, earlier evidence tells a different story.

Former Ekurhuleni HR head, Xolani Nciza, testified that disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi stemming from the Matlala deal were abruptly halted in June 2023.

According to Nciza, Mashazi personally intervened to shield Mkhwanazi from any form of accountability.

“When I tried to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension, Mashazi phoned me angrily and said, ‘You think this municipality is yours,’” Nciza said. “It was clear she didn’t want him touched.”

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