IOL News reports that suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, publicly pledged to ‘die’ and ‘take a bullet’ for city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.
This was after he was promoted against all odds to deputy police chief despite facing misconduct charges and the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) having recommended that he be disciplined for corruption. These details emerged during the testimony of Xolani Nciza, the former divisional head of Employee Relations at the City of Ekurhuleni, during the Madlanga Commission proceedings last week. In a video played before the commission, as a small group of Ekurhuleni employees sings in Mashazi’s honour, Mkhwanazi says: “We will die for you. I will take a bullet for you.” To which Mashazi responded, “Thank you.”
Over the last two weeks, the commission has heard allegations that Mkhwanazi colluded with alleged criminal cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. An attempt to hold Mkhwanazi accountable through a disciplinary tribunal for the “blue lights saga” was resolutely blocked by the city manager. Witnesses testified that Mashazi went to extraordinary lengths to protect Mkhwanazi because of their “proximity”. In this she was aided by HR head of department, Linda Gxasheka, and head of legal, Kemi Behari, witnesses claimed.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Gcwalisile Khanyile at IOL News
- Read too, How Ekurhuleni city boss gave cover to rogue metro cop, at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
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