EMPD Acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Steps Aside Amidst Corruption Claims
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has applied for special leave amidst serious allegations linking him to corruption and controversial figures. The move comes after damning testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Julius Mkhwanazi facilitated the registration of vehicles belonging to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tenderpreneur accused of attempted murder.
Julius Mkhwanazi confirmed his application for special leave in an exclusive interview, stating that it would allow the council to investigate the allegations thoroughly. He denies all claims of wrongdoing, asserting that proper procedures were always followed. "These allegations are unfounded and have not been investigated," he stated.
DA Calls for Suspension
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni has escalated the matter, bringing an urgent motion to Council to suspend Julius Mkhwanazi. They cite his alleged links to Vusimuzi Matlala and the ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) as grounds for immediate action.
The DA criticizes the ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition for allegedly failing to act decisively against Julius Mkhwanazi, suggesting that he is being protected and even positioned for promotion to Chief of Police. They argue that rewarding someone accused of corruption would further entrench criminality within the EMPD.
- Allegations of supplying EMPD blue lights to Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.
- Testimony at the Madlanga Commission implicating him in facilitating vehicle registration for Matlala.
- Ongoing IPID investigation.
What's Next?
The council's decision on Julius Mkhwanazi's application for special leave and the DA's motion for his suspension are now pending. The outcome will significantly impact the leadership of the EMPD and the fight against corruption in Ekurhuleni. The DA insists that honest EMPD officers deserve ethical leadership and that residents deserve a law-abiding police force.
The motion tabled includes accusations that Mkhwanazi supplied EMPD blue lights to Matlala, which were then installed on Matlala's personal vehicles back in 2023.