A blocked redeployment order from a former city manager is at the center of explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission probing Ekurhuleni metro police corruption.
Linda Gxasheka points the finger at Dr. Mashazi
Linda Gxasheka points the finger at Dr. Mashazi
- Suspended HR manager Linda Gxasheka testified that former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi directly ordered her to halt a planned redeployment.
- The instruction targeted suspended EMPD Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi's transfer to the by-laws department.
- Mashazi allegedly intervened after EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye had already signed off on the move.
- Gxasheka delivered her testimony at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College on 26 February.
- Mkhwanazi allegedly registered seven private vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala under the EMPD fleet.
- Those vehicles got fitted with blue lights as part of the alleged scheme.
- A charge sheet landed in Mkhwanazi's inbox on 15 June 2023.
- Mapiyeye's 20 June letter lifted the three-month suspension and greenlit redeployment.
- She rejected claims of being part of a clique shielding Mkhwanazi from accountability.
- Allegations that she and Advocate Kemi Behari pocketed R600,000 salary bumps got a flat denial.
- Gxasheka says she barely knew Mkhwanazi and learned about the scandal through social media.
- Her testimony stressed she was just following her superior's instructions.
- Gxasheka called Mkhwanazi a dangerous man based on rumors she had heard.
- She stormed out of a February 2023 meeting over concerns about her own protection.
- Having a young baby amplified her vulnerability around signing his suspension paperwork.
- She told the commission the blue-light case barely scratches the surface.
- Major HR dysfunction dating back to August 2022 was flagged as a core issue.
- Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza recently suspended Gxasheka, Behari, and Mkhwanazi on commission recommendations.
- Gxasheka heads back to the stand on 27 February for cross-examination.
