Nciza: Abuse of power at City of Ekurhuleni still sends shivers down my spine

By Johnathan Paoli

The Madlanga Commission investigating the alleged infiltration of criminal elements within the criminal justice system adjourned late Thursday after the conclusion of testimony by former Ekurhuleni Employment relations head Xolani Nciza, whose evidence highlighted allegations of corruption, intimidation and internal manipulation within the municipality.

Over two days of testimony, Nciza detailed what he described as a “protection network” built around Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, the embattled head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

He said a group of senior officials including City Manager Imogen Mashazi, Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari and Human Resources Chief Nkululeko Gxasheka; worked to shield Mkhwanazi from accountability even after damning investigative findings.

On Thursday afternoon, Nciza revisited the controversial salary hikes given to Behari and Gxasheka shortly after the disciplinary charges against Mkhwanazi were mysteriously dropped.

He said there was no rational basis or council approval for these increases, adding that