Madlanga Commission Hears Explosive Testimony: Cartel Influence in Ekurhuleni Police
PRETORIA - The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality within the justice system continues to uncover disturbing details, with a new witness taking the stand today. Focus remains on the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and alleged corruption.
This week, the commission has heard compelling evidence regarding the influence of Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, an alleged leader of the notorious Big Five cartel, within the EMPD. Witnesses have described a climate of fear and intimidation, where challenging powerful figures like suspended deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi could cost individuals their jobs.
Xolani Nciza, the City of Ekurhuleni's suspended director of employee relations, testified that officials were afraid to suspend Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi due to his connections to Matlala. Nciza further implicated Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi in obstructing disciplinary processes, claiming she had close ties to Mkhwanazi and actively protected him.
“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 told the inquiry.
Nciza also highlighted the pervasive influence of Matlala within Gauteng's police force, stating that HR officials were hesitant to discipline EMPD officers linked to questionable individuals. He implicated Kemi Behari (Ekurhuleni’s head of legal services) and HR boss Linda Gxasheka in interfering with disciplinary processes to shield Brigadier Mkhwanazi.
Nciza expressed his shock at the level of interference, stating, “For the first time I experienced a situation where senior management was hellbent in protecting an employee regardless of procedures and processes of the municipality.” He noted that he had never witnessed such interference from city managers in his career.
Earlier in the week, EMPD deputy police chief Revo Spies testified about an “unlawful” memorandum, adding another layer to the unfolding scandal. The Madlanga Commission continues to delve deeper into these allegations, promising further revelations in the coming days.
Key Allegations Include:
- Deep-rooted corruption within the EMPD
- Influence of the Big Five cartel on police operations
- Obstruction of justice by senior officials
- A climate of fear and intimidation within the department
The Madlanga Commission's findings could have significant implications for the future of law enforcement in Ekurhuleni and Gauteng as a whole.