Key Takeaways
- Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni metro police, has testified before parliament’s ad hoc committee on allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system
- Mkhwanazi’s relationship with controversial businessperson Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala is under scrutiny, with allegations that he leveraged his official position to benefit Matlala’s business interests
- Mkhwanazi claims that his relationship with Matlala is a "brother-like" bond, and that he did not engage in any corrupt activities or have a conflict of interest
- The committee is investigating allegations that Mkhwanazi facilitated the fraudulent registration of Matlala’s private vehicles as municipal property, which he denies
Introduction to the Testimony
Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni metro police, recently testified before parliament’s ad hoc committee on allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system. The committee is investigating Mkhwanazi’s relationship with controversial businessperson Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, and whether he leveraged his official position to benefit Matlala’s business interests. Mkhwanazi’s testimony provides insight into the origins of his relationship with Matlala and the nature of their interactions.
The Origins of the Relationship
Mkhwanazi explained that he first became aware of Matlala in 2021 through Mike van Wyk, a director at Medicare24 and a close business associate of Matlala. Mkhwanazi had a pre-existing relationship with Van Wyk, as Medicare24 provided the EMPD with free health services. The connection deepened after EMPD officers encountered employees from one of Matlala’s private companies at a shooting range. Mkhwanazi’s interest was piqued by the quality of Matlala’s security operations, and he developed a professional rapport with him. As they realized they shared common ground in the "broader community safety environment", the relationship evolved, and Matlala became like a "brother" to Mkhwanazi.
The Evolution of the Relationship
Mkhwanazi admitted to inviting Matlala to an EMPD plenary meeting to present his VIP protection services to the city. He introduced Matlala to the team responsible for VIP security before their meeting, and Matlala committed to assisting with security matters. Mkhwanazi noted that he did not participate in the actual negotiations, as they fell outside his official scope. After a state of the city address in 2022, Mkhwanazi said their conversations shifted from work to personal and business matters. They discussed broader social matters and training needs for Matlala’s companies, and Matlala enquired about the privatization of VIP services. Mkhwanazi informed him that EMPD VIP services are sourced internally.
Addressing Allegations of Corruption
When asked whether his relationship with Matlala blurred ethical lines, Mkhwanazi insisted that there was no conflict of interest. He claimed that the EMPD is a public institution, and any information Matlala requested is information that any member of the public can access. Mkhwanazi also addressed the allegation that he facilitated the fraudulent registration of Matlala’s private vehicles as municipal property, which allegedly allowed them to be fitted with official blue lights and police branding. He denied these claims, stating that no such authorization was ever granted. Mkhwanazi maintained that the vehicles in question were only in the initial stages of being processed as a potential donation to the city.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Mkhwanazi’s testimony provides a detailed account of his relationship with Matlala and the nature of their interactions. While Mkhwanazi claims that his relationship with Matlala is a "brother-like" bond, and that he did not engage in any corrupt activities or have a conflict of interest, the committee will continue to investigate the allegations against him. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether Mkhwanazi’s actions were indeed corrupt or if he simply developed a close relationship with a businessperson. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions and the need for officials to maintain ethical boundaries in their personal and professional relationships.