The city of Ekurhuleni rejected an investigative report recommending action against its suspended police chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi. Testimony at the Madlanga Commission from a former human resources head, Xolani Nciza, indicated that the city's legal unit defended Mkhwanazi and questioned evidence of fraud and corruption. Nciza linked this to instructions from the former city manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi.
Nciza stated that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigation found Mkhwanazi authorized blue lights for vehicles connected to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Matlala and facilitated improper resource transfers. He further alleged that officials who dropped charges against Mkhwanazi received large salary increases. The commission heard that a fraudulent memorandum of understanding was drafted to grant Matlala's company, CAT VIP, undue municipal access.
Commission officials expressed strong disapproval of the city's dismissal of the evidence. The testimony revealed a pattern of protection for the deputy chief, undermining accountability within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
Nciza stated that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigation found Mkhwanazi authorized blue lights for vehicles connected to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Matlala and facilitated improper resource transfers. He further alleged that officials who dropped charges against Mkhwanazi received large salary increases. The commission heard that a fraudulent memorandum of understanding was drafted to grant Matlala's company, CAT VIP, undue municipal access.
Commission officials expressed strong disapproval of the city's dismissal of the evidence. The testimony revealed a pattern of protection for the deputy chief, undermining accountability within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
