By Marcus Moloko
Former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi decided to flip the script before the Madlanga Commission on Monday when questions relating to her testimony were raised by Commissioner Sesi Baloyi.
Instead of simply answering questions from the commissioner, Mashazi demanded to know why Commissioner Baloyi had not scrutinized testimony from former Employee Relations head Xolani Nciza, who previously alleged that she and suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi had extra mural activities outside of official duties.
An unimpressed Baloyi reminded Mashazi that she was a witness on the stand.
“May I please speak, you’re a witness, you have to allow me to speak and I will give you a chance to answer,” Baloyi said, cutting off an irritated Mashazi as she attempted to interrogate the commission.
She accused senior metro police figures of sexual harassment and abuse of power, alleging that promotions were handed out in exchange for sexual favours.
She also faced claims of protecting Mkhwanazi’s career despite serious allegations, including links to underworld figures.
From Brown Mogotsi’s confusing WhatsApp messages to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, to Mashazi’s dramatic accusations, the inquiry has provided a steady stream of intrigue with a pinch of occasional comic relief.
The Madlanga Commission has become something of a political theatre, with witnesses delivering explosive claims and commissioners struggling to keep proceedings orderly.
Mashazi testified before the Madlanga Commission on Monday as part of the inquiry into corruption, political interference, and misconduct within the criminal justice system.
Her appearance followed allegations that, during her tenure as City Manager of Ekurhuleni, she used her position to protect suspended Mkhwanazi, who has been implicated in several criminal investigations.
The Commission is probing whether senior officials, including Mashazi, enabled or ignored misconduct within the metro police, and her testimony was seen as crucial to understanding the extent of alleged criminal capture in the municipality.
For now, Mashazi remains a witness, Baloyi remains the commissioner, and the Madlanga Commission remains the stage where politics, scandal, and unintended comedy collide.
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