WATCH | Ekurhuleni corruption back in the spotlight as Madlanga Commission resumes

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will this week hear more testimony on the alleged corruption and organised criminality inside the City of Ekurhuleni, following several recent leadership suspensions.

An official placed on precautionary suspension is scheduled to testify on Monday, with the commission expected to hear how municipal processes were allegedly captured, compromised or criminally abused.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels announced the news.

“Over the next few days the commission will revisit the theme of criminality and corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni, with several witnesses expected to give evidence,” he said.

The likes of EMPD acting, commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, Adv. Kemi Behari, Head of Legal and Risk Services, and Head of Human Resources (HR) Linda Gxasheka were among those who were suspended due to alleged misconduct and corruption in the city.

Last week’s proceedings laid bare the blurred lines between authority, influence and personal relationships.

Brigadier Rachel Matjeng told the commission she was romantically involved with Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who now faces murder charges.

Her testimony raised pointed questions about judgment, disclosure and the potential exposure of policing institutions to criminal networks.

Matjeng denied interfering in the tender awarding SAPS health contract to her lover.

Although she admitted that they had a relationship, she also denied that the monies, gifts, flowers and chocolates she received from Matlala were a form of bribe.

Commissioners pressed her on whether senior officers were sufficiently insulated from figures under criminal scrutiny, and whether warning signs were ignored.

The commission also heard evidence pointing to alleged intimidation of officials, manipulation of procurement processes and failures of internal controls within the municipality.

Several witnesses described a climate of fear, where speaking out carried professional and personal risk.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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