Suspended Ekurhuleni Police Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi took the stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 3 December 2025. He is expected to address a range of grave allegations that have rocked the department, including unlawful actions tied to criminal figures and internal misconduct. The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing deep-rooted issues of criminal infiltration, political interference, and corruption within the justice system, with a focus on law enforcement in Gauteng.

This hearing comes as public outrage grows over claims of a “rogue unit” operating within the EMPD, allegedly protected by senior officials for years. Mkhwanazi’s testimony is seen as crucial in uncovering how such practices persisted, potentially leading to reforms in metro police operations across the country. As South Africans demand accountability, the proceedings highlight the challenges of rooting out graft in public institutions.

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Details of Today’s Commission Appearance

Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi appeared before the Madlanga Commission this morning to respond to multiple accusations leveled against him. The session, held in Johannesburg, is part of an ongoing inquiry established to investigate allegations of corruption and criminal conduct within police ranks, following revelations from various witnesses over recent weeks. Mkhwanazi, who was suspended from his role as acting EMPD chief, has been implicated in several scandals that suggest abuse of power and ties to organised crime.
The commission has already heard from former colleagues, witnesses, and officials, painting a picture of systemic failures. Today’s focus is on Mkhwanazi’s direct responses, which could include denials or explanations for his alleged involvement in covering up crimes and favouring certain individuals. The inquiry has also touched on broader issues like rape allegations against metro officers that went unaddressed, underscoring a culture of impunity.
The Blue Lights Saga: Unlawful Privileges for a Cartel Leader
At the heart of the allegations is the Ekurhuleni Metro Police blue light saga, where Mkhwanazi is accused of unlawfully authorising and installing blue lights on vehicles belonging to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an attempted murder accused and alleged leader of a criminal cartel. Blue lights are reserved for official emergency vehicles, and granting them to private cars is a serious breach of regulations.
Evidence presented at the commission shows Mkhwanazi registered cars owned by Matlala’s companies, allowing them to use these restricted features. This scandal came to light through testimony from retired EMPD deputy chief Isaac Mapiyeye and others, who claimed Mkhwanazi outsourced services to Matlala’s VIP protection company without proper processes. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigated and recommended action, but no disciplinary steps were taken against Mkhwanazi at the time.
Matlala, linked to the so-called “Big Five” cartel involved in drugs, tender fraud, and assassinations, reportedly benefited from these privileges, raising questions about Mkhwanazi’s motives. Witnesses described this as part of a broader “reign of terror” where Mkhwanazi wielded unchecked power. The handling of this saga also led to tensions, with one official receiving a stern warning in the form of an assault for pushing for accountability.
The Brakpan Murder Cover-Up: Allegations of Scene Tampering and Body Dumping
Mkhwanazi is also set to address his alleged role in a 2022 incident involving the death of a suspect in Brakpan, whose body was later dumped in a dam in Nigel. According to testimony from retired EMPD deputy chief Isaac Spies and a protected witness known as “Witness D,” EMPD officers killed the man during an operation, then called Mkhwanazi to the scene.
Spies told the commission that Mkhwanazi arrived and assisted team members, including those from a private security company, in cleaning up the murder scene to hide evidence. Witness D went further, claiming Mkhwanazi directly ordered the body to be dumped in the dam as part of the cover-up. Video evidence played at the inquiry reportedly shows EMPD officers, including Mkhwanazi, at the Brakpan site, supporting these claims.
This case has been described as turning a routine operation into a full-blown murder and concealment effort, implicating Mkhwanazi in theft, robbery, murder, and misconduct. The commission heard how such actions contributed to a pattern of abuse, with Mkhwanazi allegedly leading a “rogue unit” that operated outside the law. Families of victims and anti-corruption groups have called for thorough probes into these deaths, emphasizing the need for justice.
Unlawful Appointments: Promoting 55 Personnel Without Due Process
Another key allegation involves Mkhwanazi’s unlawful appointment and promotion of 55 metro police personnel within just three months, bypassing required procedures. Suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye testified that Mkhwanazi made these moves without consulting him, despite Mapiyeye holding the legal authority over recruitment.
These irregular promotions included senior positions and were done without proper oversight, sparking outrage over favouritism and potential cronyism. Former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi confirmed in her testimony that Mkhwanazi did not seek approval from the chief of police, labeling the actions as unlawful. The Ekurhuleni mayor has since ordered a review of these promotions, with plans to reverse them if found invalid.
This issue ties into broader claims of misconduct, including Mkhwanazi’s R200,000 salary increase after his appointment, which has been questioned at the commission. Critics argue such practices erode public trust in the police and allow unqualified individuals into key roles.
Claims of Shielding by Retired City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
Evidence suggests Mkhwanazi was protected from disciplinary processes by retired Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi. Mashazi, who testified recently, admitted failing to act on an IPID report regarding the blue lights saga but denied actively shielding him.
She claimed prejudice in how her evidence was handled and requested time for a supplementary affidavit. However, witnesses like Spies argued that city officials, including Mashazi, enabled Mkhwanazi’s “rogue unit” to operate unchecked for years. The Ekurhuleni City Council even rejected a motion to suspend Mkhwanazi earlier, fueling suspicions of protection.
Mashazi’s role has been scrutinised, with the commission playing videos and hearing how failures to address complaints allowed corruption to fester.

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