Madlanga Commission Uncovers Further Misconduct in Ekurhuleni Municipality
Natalie Nyathi
The Madlanga Commission, which is investigating corruption in the Ekurhuleni Municipality, has revealed serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power. Recent testimonies show troubling actions by senior officials, particularly former City Manager Imogen Mashazi, in protecting EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Xolani Nciza, the former employee relations director, provided strong testimony about Mashazi’s interference. He said she ordered him to “leave Julius alone” after he tried to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension related to the “blue lights scandal.” Nciza described Mashazi’s behavior as “questionable and dishonest.” He explained that she shouted at him and accused him and then-Police Chief Sibongile Mapiyeye of unfairly targeting Mkhwanazi.
Nciza also stated that Mashazi pressured him to facilitate Mkhwanazi’s return to work, even though Mkhwanazi faced serious accusations, including involvement in a murder cover-up and working with a private security contractor to permit civilians to act as police officers. Nciza expressed that he and others felt “powerless to resist Mashazi’s orders,” showing the extent of her influence.
The commission has heard serious claims against Mkhwanazi as well. He is accused of misrepresenting himself as the acting chief of police and creating a false agreement with the security company CAT VIP Services. Nciza pointed out that there was no real connection between the EMPD and CAT VIP Protection.
Mkhwanazi is also suspected of running a “rogue EMPD unit” involved in crimes like extortion, kidnapping, and truck hijackings. Retired deputy chief Revo Spies testified that Mkhwanazi offered CAT VIP Security the use of police lights, which only the South African Police Service (SAPS) can use. The agreements signed by Mkhwanazi would have required the EMPD to report crimes to CAT VIP instead of the police.
In light of these allegations, the City of Ekurhuleni has suspended Mkhwanazi and started an independent investigation into the corruption within the EMPD. City Manager Kagiso Lerutla described the testimony at the Madlanga Commission as “shocking and deeply concerning,” emphasizing the need for clean governance and restoring public trust.
The Madlanga Commission’s work is still ongoing, and more revelations are expected as additional witnesses come forward.
