Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said Thursday he has received an internal report on alleged misconduct by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and that council processes are underway. Mkhwanazi could face precautionary suspension as the city weighs claims that he helped supply blue lights for the private vehicles of businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. The case follows an urgent motion that pressed for action amid concern about criminal influence in law enforcement in a city of more than 3.5 million residents.
The motion alleges Mkhwanazi arranged the transfer of municipal vehicles to Matlala and enabled blue light fittings. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that Julius Mkhwanazi registered five of Matlala’s cars under the municipality’s name and drafted papers granting CAT VIP Protection permission to use the lights. Council rejected a suspension bid on Sept. 25, saying the city manager holds that authority, and Mkhwanazi was placed on special leave for further inquiry. He had been suspended in 2023 over abuse of authority, gross dishonesty, and insubordination, then returned to work after that probe was halted.
The motion alleges Mkhwanazi arranged the transfer of municipal vehicles to Matlala and enabled blue light fittings. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission that Julius Mkhwanazi registered five of Matlala’s cars under the municipality’s name and drafted papers granting CAT VIP Protection permission to use the lights. Council rejected a suspension bid on Sept. 25, saying the city manager holds that authority, and Mkhwanazi was placed on special leave for further inquiry. He had been suspended in 2023 over abuse of authority, gross dishonesty, and insubordination, then returned to work after that probe was halted.
