The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminal infiltration and corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies resumes today, with the spotlight firmly on suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi was suspended this week after being implicated in misconduct and a murder cover-up during testimony before the commission.
His appearance follows a series of explosive hearings revealing alleged criminal activity by EMPD officers, including extortion, kidnapping, theft, and hijacking.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that Mkhwanazi’s suspension was an administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of internal disciplinary processes.
“Formal disciplinary proceedings will now follow in line with applicable labour laws,” the municipality said in a statement.
Retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies told the commission on Monday that a rogue unit within the metro police operated outside its legal mandate, hijacking trucks, stealing cargo, and carrying out unlawful arrests in multiple provinces.
Spies further alleged that Mkhwanazi directed officers to clean a murder scene in Brakpan in 2022, where a man was tortured and killed.
Mkhwanazi has denied wrongdoing and confirmed to Eyewitness News that he will appear before the commission to respond to the allegations.
He is accused of running a rogue policing unit and entering into two unlawful agreements with alleged crime boss Vusi “Cat” Matlala, allowing Matlala’s private security vehicles to use blue lights and act with policing authority.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating claims of criminal infiltration, political interference, and corruption within the justice system.
The inquiry follows allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that senior officials conspired to obstruct investigations into organised crime networks.
Testimony heard so far has linked Mkhwanazi and other EMPD officers to several ongoing investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), including the alleged theft of a truck in Benoni, the disappearance of precious stones valued at R45 million, and a fatal copper theft incident in Meyerton.
City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the revelations before the commission were “deeply concerning” and confirmed an internal probe into broader misconduct within the EMPD.
“We are committed to clean governance, accountability, and restoring public trust in our municipality,” Lerutla said.
The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing evidence from law enforcement officials throughout the week as Mkhwanazi’s anticipated testimony takes centre stage.
Watch the live stream of the Madlanga Commission proceedings below.
