By Johnathan Paoli
Before adjourning, the Madlanga Commission heard damning allegations against Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief, who was accused of orchestrating rogue operations, criminal misconduct, and institutional capture at the department.
The EMPD was explicitly included in the commission’s terms of reference — with witnesses describing what allegedly transpired at the department as a “dark chapter” in its history.
The city said the testimony that emerged was “shocking” and announced internal processes linked to allegations aired during hearings.
Chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission is investigating allegations of criminality, manipulation of law enforcement processes, and institutional capture in South Africa’s criminal justice system. It is expected to resume in January.
Suspended EMPD Chief Isaac Mapiyeye testified that a significant portion of the department’s dysfunction stemmed from Mkhwanazi, who he said “disregarded my authority” and effectively operated without oversight since at least 2021.
Mapiyeye alleged that Mkhwanazi signed unauthorised memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with private actors, notably alleged underworld figure, tenderpreneur, and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security firm, CAT VIP Protection, deploying the company at official city events, including the State of the City Address, without command approval.
Mapiyeye also claimed Mkhwanazi installed blue lights on Matlala-linked vehicles and registered them as municipal assets, illegally conferring emergency vehicle privileges.
Between May and July 2024, Mkhwanazi allegedly pushed through 55 senior promotions and appointments without advertising positions or obtaining approval, ostensibly selecting candidates loyal to him and undermining Mapiyeye’s authority.
Efforts to curb these practices, the suspended chief said, were frustrated by senior city officials, including former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, who failed to act on complaints or support disciplinary measures.
Former deputy chief Revo Spies presented evidence of rogue policing and criminal conduct, testifying that a specialised unit under Mkhwanazi operated beyond its lawful mandate, engaging in theft, intimidation, and an alleged murder cover-up. He described a 2022 incident in Brakpan, where officers allegedly tortured a man to death through suffocation before Mkhwanazi ordered the corpse to be disposed of in a civilian vehicle.
Witness D, later identified as Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, was shot dead in Brakpan on 5 December, weeks after testifying that it was he who was instructed by Mkhwanazi to dump the body. Van der Merwe was a private security company owner, and a previous EMPD official.
Spies also highlighted serious failures in vetting, claiming that hundreds of officers with criminal records, including charges ranging from rape to murder, remained in service because Mkhwanazi and senior officials obstructed fingerprinting and State Security Agency processes.
In her testimony, EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa recounted being targeted with threats of violence for raising concerns, particularly regarding the unauthorised use of blue-light privileges. She detailed how whistleblowers were investigated rather than protected, and said she suffered suspension and career setbacks after exposing misconduct.
Former city manager Imogen Mashazi faced intense scrutiny for her handling of reports concerning sexual misconduct, corruption, and irregular promotions.
She acknowledged receiving multiple verbal complaints from female EMPD officers alleging sexual harassment by Mapiyeye, but admitted to taking no formal action, opting instead to implement development programmes.
Mashazi also confirmed receiving an IPID report detailing irregular contracts and vehicle registrations linked to Matlala, but did not follow up with investigations or implement recommendations.
Mkhwanazi admitted in his testimony to receiving cash payments from Matlala-linked businesses, which he said covered petrol, food, and funerals, and to a personal and professional relationship with the businessman.
He denied authorising blue-light privileges on private vehicles and denied any involvement in the alleged murder of the criminal suspect and disposal of the body.
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