A former municipal official testified that internal resistance delayed the suspension of a senior metro police official accused of misconduct. Xolani Nciza, previously the Employee Relations Director for Ekurhuleni, told a commission of inquiry that Linda Gxasheka, who heads the metro police human resources department, was hesitant to act against Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Nciza stated that Gxasheka’s reluctance stemmed from concerns over potential security and reputational risks, not from the validity of the allegations themselves.
The allegations against Mkhwanazi included abuse of power and maintaining an improper relationship with a controversial businessman, Vusimuzi Matlala. Nciza detailed one specific accusation involving the unauthorized installation of official blue lights on vehicles connected to Matlala. He further described an illegitimate memorandum of understanding that supposedly existed between the metro police and Matlala’s security company.
Nciza explained that a formal pre-suspension letter was eventually issued, citing charges of gross dishonesty. Following Mkhwanazi’s response, he was formally suspended. The testimony highlighted the perceived influence of external figures on internal disciplinary processes within the police department.
The allegations against Mkhwanazi included abuse of power and maintaining an improper relationship with a controversial businessman, Vusimuzi Matlala. Nciza detailed one specific accusation involving the unauthorized installation of official blue lights on vehicles connected to Matlala. He further described an illegitimate memorandum of understanding that supposedly existed between the metro police and Matlala’s security company.
Nciza explained that a formal pre-suspension letter was eventually issued, citing charges of gross dishonesty. Following Mkhwanazi’s response, he was formally suspended. The testimony highlighted the perceived influence of external figures on internal disciplinary processes within the police department.
