The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumes today, a day after hearings were dominated by video evidence showing suspended acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) head Julius Mkhwanazi declaring unwavering loyalty to former city manager Imogen Mashazi.
The footage, recorded at a 2023 Ekurhuleni Christmas party, was submitted as evidence by former head of employee relations Xolani Nciza. In the video, Mkhwanazi is seen singing and dancing alongside Mashazi before addressing her directly.
“We will die for you. Mina, I will take a bullet for you,” he says. Mashazi responds, “Thank you so much.”
Nciza told the commission that the clip reflected the depth of the political protection Mkhwanazi allegedly enjoyed within the municipality.
He said the statement illustrated how Mkhwanazi perceived Mashazi as a central figure securing his position and influence.
“Mkhwanazi then expresses his gratitude, his loyalty and all sorts of things to say that you know what: ‘I will die for you because you are my mother, you have not only secured my continued employment within the municipality but you’ve also advanced me,’” Nciza said.
Nciza has testified extensively on what he described as a pattern of shielding Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action despite multiple internal findings and criminal allegations against him.
Previous evidence presented before the commission suggested that formal processes against Mkhwanazi were halted or withdrawn under Mashazi’s leadership.
The video forms part of a broader body of evidence examining alleged misconduct, political interference and irregular appointment practices within the EMPD and City of Ekurhuleni.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is continuing to hear testimony from officials as it investigates claims of criminal infiltration and corruption within policing structures.
Watch the live stream of the Madlanga Commission below.
