Suspended EMPD Chief Mapiyeye
Pretoria, Gauteng – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department head Isaac Mapiyeye has shed light on questionable agreements between the EMPD and companies owned by criminally-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Mapiyeye accused his subordinate, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, of forging two memorandums of understanding with Matlala’s firms without proper authority. This revelation comes amid broader probes into corruption and criminal infiltration in law enforcement, highlighting how personal ties may have led to irregular partnerships. As the commission digs deeper, Mapiyeye’s account raises concerns about oversight in metro police operations and the need for stronger investigative powers for such units. With Matlala facing multiple charges, this testimony could link to wider networks affecting public safety and trust in policing.
The Madlanga Commission, tasked with examining political killings and related corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, has expanded its scope to include similar issues in other provinces. Mapiyeye’s appearance underscores the interconnected nature of these problems across the country.
Mapiyeye’s Testimony: Accusations of Forged MOUs and Collusion
During his session at the commission in Pretoria, Mapiyeye detailed how Mkhwanazi allegedly signed two memorandums of understanding in 2021 with Matlala’s companies, Medicare Emergency Medical Services and CAT VIP Protection. These agreements reportedly allowed Matlala’s firms to provide services to the EMPD in exchange for assistance from the metro police, creating a reciprocal arrangement that bypassed standard procedures.
Mapiyeye claimed Mkhwanazi lacked the authority to enter these deals, stating that protocol required escalation through the chain of command. “The protocol is that if Brigadier Mkhwanazi signed it, he was going to take it to the deputy chief, Mr Mzolo, and Mr Mzolo was going to bring it to me and explain to me, and then I sign or not support, and in fact, I was not going to support because this is not a process that we should be following,” he testified. He accused Mkhwanazi of colluding with Matlala, forging the documents to facilitate the partnerships without approval.
This comes after Mkhwanazi was placed on special leave over a month ago following his implication in the commission’s inquiries. Mapiyeye himself is under suspension facing an internal probe for sexual misconduct, but his testimony focused on exposing these alleged irregularities.
Matlala’s Involvement: Blue-Light Schemes and Irregular Promotions
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman facing criminal charges, has been linked to several scandals involving police and political figures. Testimony from other witnesses, including a police officer who raided Matlala’s residence, revealed how he allegedly received special privileges, such as blue-light vehicles typically reserved for high-profile protections.
Mapiyeye’s revelations build on earlier evidence where Matlala was accused of paying large sums into political campaigns and influencing appointments. For instance, a witness claimed Matlala funded aspects of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s presidential bid. In the EMPD context, the MOUs allowed Matlala’s companies to operate closely with metro police, potentially enabling access to sensitive operations.
Additionally, Matlala has been tied to 55 irregular promotions within the EMPD, suggesting a pattern of influence peddling. These promotions, allegedly facilitated through improper channels, have raised questions about merit-based advancements in the department.
Calls for Investigative Powers for Metro Police
In his testimony, Mapiyeye reiterated his call for metro police departments like EMPD to be granted full investigative powers. He argued that current limitations hinder their ability to probe crimes effectively, especially those involving internal corruption or organised syndicates. “Suspended EMPD head reaffirms call for metro cops to be granted investigative powers,” aligning with his push for reforms to empower local law enforcement.
He believes this would allow metro police to handle cases independently, reducing reliance on national structures and speeding up responses to local threats. This proposal comes amid debates on decentralising police functions to better address urban crime hotspots.
Broader Context of the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission, established to investigate political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, has uncovered networks linking crime syndicates to police and politicians. Matlala’s name has surfaced repeatedly, with testimony from figures like a “Witness C” detailing how he was tipped off about raids and maintained close ties with high-ranking officials.
Police raids on Matlala’s properties have yielded evidence of these connections, including documents and communications that suggest collusion. The commission’s work has also exposed how criminal elements infiltrate law enforcement, leading to calls for systemic reforms.
Mapiyeye’s evidence adds to this picture, showing how such networks extend beyond KZN to other provinces like Gauteng. His suspension for unrelated allegations has not deterred him from speaking out, positioning him as a key whistleblower in the inquiry.
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