The Madlanga Commission continues to unearth disturbing details about alleged corruption and influence within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). This week's hearings focused on the alleged connections between suspended deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a suspected leader of the Big Five cartel.
Matlala's VIP Protection 'Ran' Ekurhuleni Police?
Testimony revealed that Matlala's influence allegedly extended deep into the EMPD, creating an environment where officials feared taking action against Mkhwanazi due to his ties to the cartel. Xolani Nciza, the City of Ekurhuleni’s suspended director of employee relations, testified that disciplinary processes were deliberately hampered.
City Manager Implicated
Nciza further implicated Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, suggesting she spearheaded efforts to protect Mkhwanazi. “I believe the drive to protect Mkhwanazi was a Mashazi driven effort – that was a Mashazi project. It was Mashazi who had these close links to Mkhwanazi,” Nciza stated to the commission.
The commission also heard that HR officials were hesitant to discipline an EMPD officer linked to “characters who are involved in the news for the wrong reasons,” highlighting the pervasive fear and influence allegedly exerted by Matlala and his associates.
Senior Officials 'Acting as Shop Stewards'?
Nciza described a pattern of interference where senior management appeared determined to protect Mkhwanazi, regardless of established procedures. He claimed that Ekurhuleni senior officials “acted as though they were shop stewards” of brigadier Mkhwanazi and did his bidding.
The Madlanga Commission's investigation continues to shed light on potential systemic issues within the EMPD and the broader Ekurhuleni municipality. Further revelations are expected as the commission proceeds with its hearings.