Ekurhuleni HR head denies interference, blames EMPD chief for disciplinary withdrawals

By Johnathan Paoli

Suspended Ekurhuleni HR head Linda Gxasheka turned the tables on her accusers at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, alleging that suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye acted independently when he withdrew disciplinary charges against deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

Appearing after lunch, Gxasheka faced renewed scrutiny from evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson over correspondence relating to the 2023 upliftment of Mkhwanazi’s suspension.

“The upliftment of the suspension did not come with conditions. If there was to be a redeployment, there had to be proper motivation and the employee’s consent. Without following due process, the City would have exposed itself to a constructive dismissal claim,” she testified.

Mapiyeye had written to Gxasheka indicating his intention to redeploy Mkhwanazi to the EMPD by-laws department once his three-month suspension was lifted.

Gxasheka said she advised that such a move required both formal motivation and Mkhwanazi’s consent, warning of potential legal risks. She added