The Star reports that the City of Ekurhuleni faces fresh allegations of institutional cover-up following claims that senior municipal officials refused to take disciplinary action against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
He is accused of facilitating the illegal transfer of city-owned vehicles equipped with blue lights to private businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is under arrest and facing a slew of charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. Whispers of impropriety have gained momentum with claims that senior municipal officials have deliberately shied away from taking necessary disciplinary actions against Mkhwanazi, thus raising questions about accountability within the city's administration.
Xolani Nciza, the former head of employee relations at the Ekurhuleni municipality and the official who oversaw the internal investigation into the matter, spoke to eNCA on Tuesday about how efforts to hold Mkhwanazi accountable were systematically undermined. Nciza detailed how the municipality intended to suspend Mkhwanazi and prepare criminal charges, but was blocked from proceeding. “When we were ready to serve charges, senior officials intervened. The powers-that-be said no. The city manager was involved, and instructions were given to the head of Human Resources to halt the charges," he stated.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabo Makwakwa at The Star
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