Mkhwanazi details close ties to “Cat” Matlala and Medicare24 owner Mike van Wyk before committee

By Johnathan Paoli

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi used his appearance before Parliament’s ad-committee to explain, at length, the origins and evolution of his relationships with controversial business men Mike van Wyk and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, that have drawn intense scrutiny amid questions of influence, access and potential conflicts of interest.

Leading the evidence, advocate Bongiwe Mkhize focused early on how these relationships developed while he was rising thought the EMPD ranks and later occupying powerful acting positions within the City of Ekurhuleni’s policing and community safety structures.

ALSO READ: Water and Sanitation department issues evacuation alert that Santeeko Dam could collapse

Mkhwanazi told the committee that van Wyk, the owner of the Medicare24 private clinic in Boksburg, first entered his professional orbit in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the time, Mkhwanazi said, the EMPD was struggling to secure timely medical assistance for officers