Key Takeaways
- Suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi faced intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission, where his testimony showed multiple contradictions and gaps.
- He denied ordering a robbery involving precious stones and using his officers for illegal operations, but evidence placed his vehicle at the crime scene.
- Mkhwanazi’s account of a 2 a.m. call about a recovered stolen truck in April 2022 was deemed implausible by the commission, with no call log or official record.
- Witness testimony linked him to the disposal of Emmanuel Mbhense’s body, which he denied, claiming he left after noticing SAPS involvement.
- His request to postpone testimony due to his mother’s death was scrutinised when records indicated the deceased was his stepmother; the commission accepted his explanation that she raised him.
- Mkhwanazi accused suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye of lying about controversial senior appointments and bypassing promotion procedures.
- Allegations emerged that a private‑company director offered him cash in exchange for blue‑light privileges for a security firm tied to an alleged crime figure; he said he could not recall the video.
- Across his testimony, a pattern of denial, inconsistency, and missing details emerged, prompting the special task team to continue its investigation.
Background and Allegations
Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended acting chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), appeared before the Madlanga Commission this week to answer serious allegations of criminal conduct within a police unit he allegedly commanded. The commission heard claims that Mkhwanazi led a specialised SWAT‑type team that operated like a criminal syndicate, engaging in kidnappings, extortion, hijackings, and murder. He steadfastly denied all accusations, insisting he never instructed anyone to commit robbery or illegal acts. The setting was tense, as commissioners pressed him for specifics that could either exonerate him or confirm the gravitas of the charges against him and his unit.
Testimony on the Robbery Allegation
When questioned about a robbery involving precious stones, Mkhwanazi stated unequivocally, “I did not give any instruction to commit any robbery.” However, the commission presented evidence that contradicted his denial. Co‑commissioner Adv. Sandile Khumalo highlighted that Mkhwanazi had withheld key details about his presence at a Rosebank property linked to the alleged crime. Subsequent closed‑circuit television (CCTV) footage showed a vehicle connected to him at the scene, undermining his claim of non‑involvement and suggesting a possible link to the robbery plot.
Inconsistencies About Presence at Rosebank
Under intense questioning, Mkhwanazi’s narrative shifted dramatically. He first agreed with Khumalo’s assertion that he had been at the Rosebank property, then denied being there, before finally conceding that he may have “limited” what he told investigators. This vacillation drew immediate scrutiny from the commissioners, who noted that a senior officer’s inability to provide a consistent account raised serious doubts about his credibility. The inconsistencies not only weakened his defence but also pointed to a possible attempt to conceal his true role in the events under investigation.
Accusations of Syndicate‑Like SWAT Unit
The commission heard that Mkhwanazi’s SWAT unit within the EMPD allegedly functioned as a criminal enterprise, carrying out serious offences such as kidnappings, extortion, hijackings, and murder. Mkhwanazi rejected these characterisations, maintaining that his unit operated strictly within the bounds of police protocol. Yet, the testimony of multiple witnesses and the presentation of operational logs suggested otherwise, indicating a pattern of unlawful behaviour that overlapped with the alleged robbery and other criminal activities. The allegations painted a picture of a unit that abused its authority for personal gain.
The April 2022 Truck Recovery Incident
A pivotal moment in Mkhwanazi’s testimony concerned an incident in April 2022, when he claimed to have driven to a scene at 2 a.m. after receiving a call from an informant about a recovered stolen truck. He asserted that he responded to the call as part of his duties. However, the commission found no record of the call, no official operation logged for that time, and no clear commander overseeing the activity. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission chair, dismissed Mkhwanazi’s version as “implausible” and accused him of not telling the truth, highlighting the lack of procedural documentation that would normally accompany such a police response.
Link to Emmanuel Mbhense’s Death and Body Disposal
The timeline of the April 2022 incident overlapped with the death of Emmanuel Mbhense, who died in custody after being arrested in Boksburg. His body was later found dumped in a dam in Germiston. A key witness, Marius van der Merwe (Witness D), now deceased, had previously testified that Mkhwanazi was present when the body was disposed of and that he gave the order to do so. Mkhwanazi denied any involvement, stating he left the scene after noticing South African Police Service (SAPS) involvement. Adv. Mahlape Sello, the evidence leader, confronted him directly, asserting, “You are not being truthful,” and questioning why a senior officer would respond to a 2 a.m. call with no apparent operational purpose.
Personal Explanations and Family Bereavement Claim
Mkhwanazi sought a postponement of his testimony, citing the death of his mother as justification. Commission records later indicated that the deceased was his stepmother rather than his biological mother. He denied misleading the commission, explaining that the woman had raised him and that he regarded her as his mother. After hearing his explanation, the commission accepted his reasoning and allowed the postponement to stand. This episode added another layer to the assessment of his truthfulness, as the commission weighed his personal account against documentary evidence.
Accusations Against Superior and Cash‑Favour Allegations
Turning the focus upward, Mkhwanazi accused the suspended EMPD chief, Isaac Mapiyeye, of lying about controversial senior appointments. He claimed Mapiyeye had falsely asserted that Mkhwanazi had bypassed proper procedures to push through more than fifty promotions. In addition, the commission heard allegations concerning a video in which a private‑company director appeared to offer Mkhwanazi money in exchange for granting blue‑light privileges to a security company linked to an alleged crime figure. Mkhwanazi said he could not recall the video, further contributing to the perception of evasiveness.
Overall Assessment and Ongoing Investigation
Across his testimony, a recurring pattern emerged: denial of wrongdoing, contradictory statements, and significant gaps in crucial details. The commissioners repeatedly pointed out inconsistencies that undermined his credibility and suggested a deliberate effort to obscure his actions. The Madlanga Commission’s findings thus far indicate that Mkhwanazi’s explanations lack corroboration and are often at odds with documentary and testimonial evidence. As a result, the special task team continues its investigation, seeking to determine the extent of any criminal conduct within the EMPD unit under his command and to hold accountable those responsible for violations of public trust.