Suspended Ekurhuleni top cop Julius Mkhwanazi stood his ground at the Madlanga Inquiry, insisting that he will not be punished for actions he believes were legitimate. The deputy chief, currently under scrutiny, told Commissioners that he refuses to “go to jail for something I didn’t do,” setting the tone for a tense, sometimes uncomfortable session of testimony.
Mkhwanazi has been facing pressure from inquiry officials as they unpack the circumstances surrounding a deal he helped facilitate between the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The arrangement has raised questions about process, legality and oversight within the department.
He admitted openly that he played a role in facilitating the agreement between EMPD and Matlala’s company, Cat VIP. However, he insisted that his involvement did not constitute wrongdoing and that he acted within the expectations of his role.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo pressed Mkhwanazi on the nature and legitimacy of the memorandum of understanding between EMPD and Cat VIP. The questioning suggested that inquiry officials remain unconvinced by parts of his explanation, especially regarding how the deal came about and whether proper procedures were followed.
The Madlanga Inquiry continues to examine broader allegations of misconduct within Ekurhuleni’s policing structure. Mkhwanazi’s testimony marks one of the most closely watched moments in the proceedings, putting internal police processes—and leadership accountability—under a national microscope.
For now, Mkhwanazi maintains that he is innocent and has no intention of becoming the fall guy for decisions he believes were above board. As the inquiry progresses, the spotlight on EMPD’s governance is unlikely to dim anytime soon.
