Mkhwanazi denies promotion irregularities, blames systemic failures in EMPD

By Johnathan Paoli

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations of interference and procedural irregularities in promotions within the EMPD, claiming that he had full authority and followed processes started by suspended Chief Isaac Mapiyeye.

Following a rock start on Tuesday morning, with evidence leader Sello accusing Mkhwanazi of misleading and possibly lying to the court regarding his reason for a postponement of continuing his testimony in January, the commission considered a supplementary affidavit addressing subsequent issues and allegations as well as gaps and correct aspects of his earlier testimony last year.

Focusing on how promotions within the EMPD were handled, Mkhwanazi said the department adhered to protocols, with the city’s HR division overseeing the recruitment and appointment process.

“On promotions, one must mention that we followed all the correct procedure and processes as it was started by Chief Mapiyeye, from appointing Directors as he was the Chairperson of the panel of the HR long list, shortlisting, interview panel and appointments,” Mkhwanazi said.

This follows previous testimony from Mapiyeye who testified earlier that Mkhwanazi had promoted 55 candidate to senior positions within May and July 2024, with some positions allegedly filled without being advertised.

Mkhwanazi said that his involvement in these processes was formally sanctioned and continued when he assumed the role of acting chief.

“As the Deputy Chief of Police Operations and Specialised Services, he [Mapiyeye] also appointed me to sit with him in this panel, I continued with processes as approved by the City since I was appointed as the Acting Chief of Police and HOD of Community Safety,” he said.

Mkhwanazi said that the HR department remained the custodian of all recruitment procedures, rejecting suggestions that he acted outside his authority.

He provided the commission with acting and appointment letters, saying