The City of Ekurhuleni has officially placed its Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka on precautionary suspension for allegedly failing to initiate suspension proceedings against Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
The decision comes after a resolution taken by the Municipal Council on November 18.
The city indicated that they are committed to restoring public trust in their administration.
Gxasheka’s suspension is also implemented to protect the integrity of internal processes. To also maintain stability, and allow matters to be handled fairly and without interference.
The Madlanga Commission heard evidence exposing how the former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, 65, allegedly failed to act against senior officials accused of rape and sexual harassment, as well as police officers implicated in unlawful contracts awarded to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s security company.
Speaking about the suspended EMPD deputy chief 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 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the EMPD and Matlala’s CAT VIP Protection Services was unlawful. The EMPD is accused of failing to implement Independent Police Investigative Directorate (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.
Mkwanazi Commission Appearance:
Mkhwanazi recently told the commission that he has a relationship with attempted murder-accused and drug cartel member Matlala. He also admitted to receiving money from him.
City Manager:
The City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla, took a bold approach to implement precautionary suspensions under the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010.
“In giving effect to the Council resolution and acting in accordance with Regulation 6(1) of the Disciplinary Regulations, the City Manager, Mr. Kagiso Lerutla, assessed whether a basis existed to place the senior manager on precautionary suspension.
“In compliance with Regulation 6(2), the affected senior manager was afforded an opportunity to make written representations prior to a final decision being taken. These representations were duly considered before the decision was reached,” said Ekurhuleni Head of Communications, Marketing and Tourism.
Recently, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city is supportive of the commission and reaffirmed its commitment to “transparency and accountability.”
Xhakaza is on a mission to restore the credibility of the 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.
