Testimony at the Madlanga Commission revealed that suspended EMPD acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly fabricated a memorandum of understanding to grant purported crime figure Vusimuzi Matlala special policing privileges. According to former Ekurhuleni human resources head Xolani Nciza, this fraudulent document was presented as legitimate to municipal officials, enabling Matlala's companies, CAT VIP and Medicare 24, to operate with the authority of the metro police. Nciza described the scheme as grossly dishonest.
The inquiry also heard that private vehicles linked to Matlala were improperly registered under the municipality and fitted with unauthorized emergency blue lights, allowing them to impersonate police cars. Nciza connected this to the fake memorandum, stating it was part of a broader pattern to merge private interests with public power. Further allegations stated that Mkhwanazi made 55 irregular promotions and defied direct orders from his superiors.
EMPD Chief Isaac Mapiyeye testified about a threatening encounter with retired city manager Imogen Mashazi, who allegedly warned him of hitmen after he investigated the blue lights scandal. The commission is examining systemic governance failures and criminal influence within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
The inquiry also heard that private vehicles linked to Matlala were improperly registered under the municipality and fitted with unauthorized emergency blue lights, allowing them to impersonate police cars. Nciza connected this to the fake memorandum, stating it was part of a broader pattern to merge private interests with public power. Further allegations stated that Mkhwanazi made 55 irregular promotions and defied direct orders from his superiors.
EMPD Chief Isaac Mapiyeye testified about a threatening encounter with retired city manager Imogen Mashazi, who allegedly warned him of hitmen after he investigated the blue lights scandal. The commission is examining systemic governance failures and criminal influence within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
