Suspended EMPD Acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Credit: SABC
(The Post News) – The Madlanga Commission heard testimony on the protection of the suspended EMPD acting chief.
Former Ekurhuleni Human Resources head Xolani Nciza appeared before the commission on Thursday.
He said the protection was because of Brig Julius Mkhwanazi’s unwavering loyalty to senior officials.
It is alleged that suspended chief Mkhwanazi, showed particular loyalty to former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.
Loyalty on Display
Nciza’s testimony included a video clip showing Mkhwanazi publicly pledging allegiance to Mashazi during a festive gathering.
In the footage, Mkhwanazi points at Mashazi and says, “I will take a bullet for you.”
The moment was described by Nciza as symbolic of the internal culture within the municipality. It was presented as evidence of how personal loyalty influenced professional decisions.
Nciza said colleagues shared the video with him. It was used to illustrate how Mashazi allegedly protected Mkhwanazi from accountability.
“That kind of loyalty,” Nciza told the commission, “is what kept him protected.”
The commission heard that Mashazi’s influence extended beyond informal gestures. Nciza testified about his attempt to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension.
This suspension was linked to the controversial blue lights scandal. Mashazi intervened and instructed him to “leave Mkhwanazi alone.”
Allegations of Misconduct
Nciza’s testimony painted a picture of institutional breakdown within the Ekurhuleni municipality. Senior officials allegedly undermined disciplinary processes.
He claimed that instead of facing consequences, Mkhwanazi was promoted and supported by officials loyal to Mashazi.
Two officials—Linda Gasheka and Advocate Kemi Behari—were named as beneficiaries of Mashazi’s directives. Nciza alleged that both received salary increases of approximately R600,000 after backing Mashazi’s decisions. He described these increases as “tokens of appreciation” for their loyalty.
Nciza also revealed that after he tried to hold Mkhwanazi accountable, he was accused of possessing fake qualifications. He was subsequently suspended. His powers were transferred to Behari, a move he described as unlawful and in violation of HR regulations.
“I was prosecuted and had my life threatened simply for doing my job,” Nciza told the commission. He added that the EMPD had turned into “a place of destruction.” In this environment, loyalty to individuals outweighed adherence to policy and law.
The commission also heard that Mkhwanazi had a working relationship with CAT VIP Protection. This is a private security firm linked to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. There was no formal agreement with the municipality.
This relationship allegedly led to the firm’s vehicles being fitted with blue lights, further implicating Mkhwanazi in misconduct.
Commission Continues Probing Ekurhuleni Leadership
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony on alleged corruption in Ekurhuleni.
Nciza’s account adds to evidence that loyalty shielded officials from scrutiny.
The commission is expected to call additional witnesses in the coming weeks. It is investigating the extent of irregularities linked to EMPD leadership.
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