Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been served with a fifth arrest warrant, adding another criminal case to the growing legal troubles facing the senior law-enforcement official.
The latest warrant relates to allegations surrounding the controversial blue-light saga and was served on Thursday, 27 August 2026, after Mkhwanazi left court during a bail hearing in a separate murder case.
Mkhwanazi is expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 August, where he will face allegations of fraud and corruption.
Fifth warrant follows blue-light investigation
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said two of three suspects linked to the latest investigation were arrested on Thursday.
The suspects include an EMPD official and a private individual, both of whom face fraud and corruption charges.
IPID said the third suspect, also an EMPD official, was expected to be arrested later that evening.
The arrests follow allegations that have featured prominently during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, including claims concerning the relationship between law-enforcement officials and private security interests.
Mkhwanazi’s arrest warrant served outside court
Mkhwanazi was attending proceedings at the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court, where he is facing a separate case linked to the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
After leaving the dock during his bail proceedings, he was served with the latest arrest warrant.
The warrant brings the number of arrest warrants served on Mkhwanazi to five, according to the information released by IPID.
His appearance in Germiston is expected to provide further details about the charges and allegations contained in the latest case.
What is the blue-light saga?
The latest investigation centres on allegations that Mkhwanazi unlawfully approved the installation of blue emergency lights on four private luxury vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company, Cat Protection Services.
The vehicles reportedly included:
- Two BMWs
- A Mercedes-Benz
- A Volkswagen
The vehicles were allegedly registered irregularly as City of Ekurhuleni assets and subsequently fitted with blue emergency lights.
The arrangement has been scrutinised during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where allegations concerning relationships between officials and private security companies have emerged.
Mkhwanazi also faces murder-related allegations
The latest fraud and corruption case is separate from the murder investigation involving Emmanuel Mbense.
Mbense was allegedly tortured to death in Brakpan before his body was dumped in a dam.
The investigation into his death has also featured allegations involving police and private security personnel.
Mkhwanazi’s bail proceedings in that matter were taking place when the latest arrest warrant was served.
IPID says more details will emerge in court
IPID said the two suspects arrested in the blue-light investigation would make their first appearance in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on 28 August 2026.
The directorate said further information would be ventilated in court.
The latest development means Mkhwanazi now faces another significant legal challenge while already dealing with proceedings stemming from other investigations.
The allegations against him and the other accused remain allegations until tested and proven in court.
