The Madlanga Commission resumes this week with a new witness expected to take the stand as the inquiry continues examining claims of corruption, criminal activity and political interference within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Last week, the commission heard extensive testimony about the influence allegedly exercised by suspended deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Witnesses described an internal environment where Mkhwanazi was “untouchable” and where officials who challenged him feared retaliation, job losses or disciplinary action.
On Friday, Witness D testified that Mkhwanazi was called to the scene of a 2022 murder involving EMPD officers and allegedly instructed that the victim’s body be disposed of in water to conceal the killing.
The witness said Mkhwanazi ordered that the body be dumped “in a dam or a mineshaft,” leading him to place the corpse in Nigel Dam out of fear for his own safety.
The testimony followed earlier evidence from retired EMPD deputy chief Revo Spies, who also told the commission that Mkhwanazi had been contacted by his SWAT team to help “clean” the scene of the same Brakpan killing. Witness D described how officers tried to stage a false crime scene, searched for a gun to plant on the suspect and mentioned contacting senior figures in crime intelligence for assistance.
The commission has also been presented with accounts of Mkhwanazi’s alleged proximity to politically connected individuals.
Witnesses last week linked him to the blue-light protection arrangements involving alleged Big Five cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose criminal case is currently before the high court.
In addition to the Brakpan killing cover-up allegations, testimony described how Mkhwanazi’s authority extended across EMPD structures, with several senior officials claiming disciplinary processes against him were halted or reversed under former city manager Imogen Mashazi.
Evidence included a video from a 2023 municipal event in which Mkhwanazi publicly declared loyalty to Mashazi.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is expected to continue hearing detailed testimony on internal policing dynamics, procurement practices and allegations of organised crime infiltration within Ekurhuleni law enforcement.
Watch the live stream of the Madlanga Commission below.
