City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is on a mission to restore the credibility of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) amid alleged misconduct by some of the municipality’s senior officials.
Speaking to the media, Xhakaza outlined critical steps to restore the credibility of the EMPD, and dealing with all officials implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Xhakaza is not discouraged by testimonies shared at the commission, that have revealed alleged wrongdoing in EMPD that occurred in previous administrations. This includes the signing of two “unlawful” memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with companies linked to attempted murder-accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
He has indicated that the EMPD is still lead by competent officers who should not be painted with the same brush. Xhakaza’s administration has taken measures to support the officers, including providing new cars and addressing issues they have raised.
“We must restore confidence to EMPD because it has over 3,600 officers, a lot of them who are committed, competent and also demoralised if the entire EMPD is painted with the wrong brush,” Xhakaza said.
In preserving the integrity, functionality, or reputation of the municipality, Xhakaza called for separation of “rogue elements” and removal of individuals who were “pushing back” and were “associated with the management that did not want to relinquish power” in the EMPD.
“All these wrong things that we have been battling with – you would know the motion of no confidence in the mayor – these were some of the things [used] to create instability in the environment so that oversight and leadership is not exercised,” he added.
In practicality, Xhaka revealed that the city spoke to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Friday, 5 December to extend its support in order to build a more unified and motivated EMPD. He agreed that the EMPD needs the presence and leadership of the IPID.
“We have agreed that we might have to bring IPID to be permanently based in the city. Once everything has been signed and all areas of collaboration are signed off, we will be able to make that announcement, hopefully this week,” he said.
Xhakaza indicated that the city is now moving away from the legacy that the suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and former city manager Imogen Mashazi left.
Mkhwanazi, who is accused of signing a fraudulent agreement with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s private security company. It has also been alleged that Mashazi may have provided protection to Mkhwanazi during prior investigations into his misconduct.
Speaking about Mkhwanazi and allegedly dodgy deals with Matlala’s companies, Mashazi admitted at the commission that she failed to discipline and charge Mkhwanazi. The commission also learnt that Mkhwanazi is linked to a murder case and accused of running a rogue unit allegedly involved in extortion, kidnapping, theft and truck hijackings.
The suspended metro police chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye told the commission that a MoU between the EMPD and Matlala’s CAT VIP Protection Services was unlawful. The EMPD is accused of failing to implement IPID recommendations of disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi relating to his role in the MoU with Matlala’s security company and the fitting of blue police lights on his vehicles.
Evidence leader, Mahlape Sello SC tried to established Mashazi’s role in two MoUs signed by Mkhwanazi on behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni — one with Medicare 24 and another with CAT Protection and Security, both concluded in October 2021.
Mashazi was asked about what she knew about the agreements or what role she played in approving them, Mashazi claimed: “To my knowledge, those two memoranda signed by Mkhwanazi never came to my office. I did not know about them, and I was not aware they were implemented.”
The Ipid report recommended that the city charge Mkhwanazi, noting that the very MoUs he entered into with Matlala were illegal. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo challenged Mashazi by saying: “You did not act. You either disregarded the report or you chose to comply with it.”
“I acted by referring the report to Corporate and Legal, and to the chief of police [Mapiye], because the chief of police is mandated in terms of the SAPS Act to discipline members. Mkhwanazi, being his subordinate, should have been disciplined by him.
“I was then informed by the HOD: Legal that the document was incomplete, and he advised that no action could be taken on it, suggesting instead that an internal probe be conducted. From my side, I did not participate in the discipline of juniors,” said Mashazi.
The commission also heard that attempts to suspend and discipline Mkhwanazi were allegedly prevented by interference from top management.
Speaking at the commission in November, former city head of employee relations, Xolani Nciza said on the night of 23 May 2023, he received a missed WhatsApp call from then subjective city manager Mashazi.
Nciza said when he spoke to Mashazi, she allegedly objected to extending Mkhwanazi’s brief suspension, saying: “You guys hate Julius, leave him alone. We are not going to extend the suspension.”
