Despite the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (IPID) recommendation for disciplinary action against Ekurhuleni Deputy Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi for alleged corruption, no such action has been taken — reportedly due to interference from senior city officials.
Mkhwanazi allegedly signed two unauthorized memorandums of understanding with companies owned by attempted murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — CAT VIP Security and Medicare24 — without approval from his superiors. He also allegedly equipped CAT VIP Security vehicles with blue lights, a privilege reserved for law enforcement under the National Road Traffic Act of 1996.
According to suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye, an internal probe began in February 2023 after media queries raised concerns over civilian vehicles using blue lights with EMPD’s apparent approval. Acting chief Revo Spies initiated the investigation during Mapiyeye’s leave, which later confirmed unlawful conduct.
“The state has a strong case against Brigadier Mkhwanazi,” the IPID report concluded, adding that CAT VIP Security had unduly benefited, with licence fees covered by the City of Ekurhuleni. The watchdog recommended disciplinary action for violating EMPD’s code of conduct, emphasizing dishonesty and corruption.
However, Mapiyeye told the Madlanga Commission that IPID never received feedback from the EMPD because of obstruction by then City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi, HR head Linda Gxasheka, and Legal Services head Advocate Kemi Behari.
He added that repeated requests for updates from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yielded no response, leaving the matter unresolved.
