EMPD Deputy Commissioner Denies Wrongdoing in Blue-Light Saga, Claims "Blood Brother" Relationship with Businessman
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in the ongoing investigation into the fitting of blue lights on vehicles linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s companies. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mkhwanazi insisted he would not "go to jail for something I didn’t do," sparking a moment of levity when he equated the term "facilitation" with potential imprisonment.
The commission is investigating Mkhwanazi's involvement in registering vehicles and installing blue lights, with counsel suggesting he "facilitated" the process. Mkhwanazi has consistently objected to the use of the word "facilitation" in reference to his role in sourcing vehicle donations from Matlala. “I can’t agree to leave my kids and go to jail for something I didn’t do. I didn’t put blue lights. I want to be honest and impress you but not with lies,” he said.
Commission Chair Justice Mbuyisile Madlanga swiftly intervened, reminding Mkhwanazi that nobody had mentioned jail.
Mkhwanazi described Matlala as a "blood brother," revealing a close personal relationship that involved frequent meetings, lunches, and dinners. He admitted that Matlala had provided him with financial assistance during his suspensions, including grocery money and contributions towards a funeral. Matlala assisted him with various payments, including R20 000 for a funeral and additional amounts of R20 000 and R30 000 paid through Matlala’s companies.
When asked if he had ever received money from Matlala he said: “Sometimes he would give me money for petrol. Sometimes he would even borrow money from me…We were beginning to be that close, talking every day and meeting.” Mkhwanazi said he would discuss many things with Matlala, but avoided talking about politics due to Matlala’s aversion to the topic. “In fact, I treated him as a brother and that’s why I was so shocked (when he faced challenges and he didn’t tell me),” he said.
Evidence leader Advocate Sello Mehlape SC argued that these payments were "made in gratification for your efforts in facilitating the registration of vehicles to enable Mr Matlala to fit them with blue lights.”
The commission also heard that Mkhwanazi allegedly signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with companies Medicare24 and CAT VIP Security, permitting private vehicles to be registered as municipal vehicles and fitted with blue lights. This occurred despite the municipality having no formal agreement with these companies, raising questions about Mkhwanazi’s authority to establish such relationships. Former Ekhurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi testified that it was irregular for a department to enter into a memorandum, stating Mkhwanazi exceeded his authority.
Mkhwanazi claimed that Mike van Wyk, a Medicare24 director, drafted the MOU between the company and the municipality. He also testified that CAT VIP Security wanted to upgrade their vehicles, and he discussed the EMPD’s vehicle shortage with Matlala, implying a possible donation.
According to Mkhwanazi, he approached his deputy chief of police Goodman Mzolo, who directed him to a fleet corporate proxy managed by Chris Steyn for the vehicles’ registration in the municipality’s name. Steyn advised Mkhwanazi to obtain a letter of intention to donate cars from Matlala, who provided it. The vehicles in question were registered in the municipality’s name but were not handed over to the EMPD. The registration was later cancelled due to public outcry on social media regarding the blue lights installed on private vehicles.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Mkhwanazi was questioned about the testimony of Witness D, who alleged that Mkhwanazi instructed him to dispose of a suspect’s body, allegedly killed by EMPD officers, to cover up the murder. The witness alleged Mkhwanazi instructed him to dispose of the body in a mine shaft or dam, using his bakkie to avoid suspicion.
Mkhwanazi testified that he received a call from Jaco Hanekom, an informant, about a breakthrough in Brakpan during a crime operation.
Meanwhile, Mashazi faced accusations from Xolani Nciza, former divisional head of employee relations, of shielding Mkhwanazi, who was initially suspended over the blue-light saga. Mkhwanazi was placed on suspension again on November 11, following damning testimony at the Madlanga Commission.
Mkhwanazi’s testimony is set to continue next year, on a date to be determined by the commission, as the investigation into the blue-light saga and related allegations continues.
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