Johnathan Paoli
Julius Mkhwanazi returns to the witness stand at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, with the suspended EMPD deputy chief facing renewed questioning over alleged corruption, irregular agreements, and his relationship with attempted murder-accused tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Appearing at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, Mkhwanazi returns after his March appearance was postponed following the death of his mother. An earlier delay had been granted to allow his legal team more time to prepare.
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During his initial testimony last year, Mkhwanazi rejected allegations of corruption, abuse of power and links to criminal networks, maintaining that he acted lawfully and suggesting he was being targeted amid internal battles within law enforcement.
He portrayed himself as a victim of factionalism, insisting that claims against him were exaggerated or mischaracterised.
However, the commission has already heard extensive testimony painting a far more troubling picture, centred on Mkhwanazi’s alleged relationship with Matlala and the role of private companies in public policing functions.
At the heart of the inquiry are allegations that Mkhwanazi facilitated irregular agreements between the EMPD and companies linked to Matlala, including CAT VIP Protection and Medicare24.
Evidence before the commission suggested these arrangements may have enabled private entities to perform functions reserved for law enforcement.
Central to these allegations are memoranda of understanding purportedly signed by Mkhwanazi without the required authorisation from senior municipal officials.
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Suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye testified that the agreements were fraudulent, noting they lacked his signature despite provisions requiring his approval.
This evidence has been reinforced by other witnesses, including former city manager Imogen Mashazi and suspended head of legal and risk services advocate Kemi Behari, who described the documents as irregular and potentially unlawful.
Testimony from retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies indicated that CAT VIP Protection undertook to provide vehicles, including high-end models such as BMWs and a Mercedes-Benz, as well as a helicopter for operational use.
Even more contentious is the Medicare24 agreement, which allegedly extended into areas such as drawing blood at roadblocks and offering support during operations.
Mkhwanazi previously conceded that he lacked the authority to sign such agreements on behalf of the municipality, but maintained that his engagement with the companies was driven by an attempt to address limited resources within the EMPD.
His personal relationship with Matlala has also come under intense scrutiny.
Mkhwanazi admitted that the two shared a close bond, describing Matlala as a “brother”, and acknowledged receiving financial assistance from him and his associated companies amounting to more than R70,000 in three payments over seven months in 2022.
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He insisted these payments were personal in nature and not linked to any official decisions.
However, evidence leaders argued that the payments may constitute gratification connected to Mkhwanazi’s alleged facilitation of benefits for Matlala-linked entities, including the registration of privately owned vehicles under municipal systems and the use of blue lights.
The commission has also heard serious criminal allegations.
Spies testified that Mkhwanazi and a group of EMPD officers were implicated in the alleged theft of copper cables during an unrecorded operation, while whistleblower Jaco Hanekom, who was linked to the evidence, was later killed in a drive-by shooting.
Further testimony has implicated Mkhwanazi in an alleged 2022 incident involving the torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbense in Brakpan, followed by an attempted cover-up.
Former human resources head Xolani Nciza told the commission that attempts to discipline Mkhwanazi were obstructed internally, alleging that senior officials intervened to shield him from consequences.
Meanwhile, the Labour Court recently dismissed his bid to halt internal disciplinary proceedings, clearing the way for the metro to pursue action against him for alleged misconduct committed while in office.
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