EKURHULENI CITY MANAGER'S SHOCKING DISPLAY OF ARROGANCE: "I DID NOTHING WRONG"

Former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

Johannesburg - The Madlanga Commission has been left stunned by the brazen arrogance of former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, who showed a complete disregard for the proceedings and a lack of remorse for her alleged failure to act on rape and corruption claims within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

As she took the stand, Mashazi was seen applying lipstick, laughing, and looking down at her phone, displaying a shocking lack of respect for the commission and its chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Her demeanor was a stark contrast to the gravity of the allegations against her, which include failing to act on reports of rape, sexual harassment, and corruption within the EMPD.

Mashazi's testimony has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice for victims. Her claims that allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and corruption were "hearsay" and that she couldn't act without formal complaints have been met with widespread criticism.

"I did nothing wrong," Mashazi said, her tone dripping with arrogance. "I acted within my rights as city manager."

However, Justice Madlanga was unconvinced. "You basically did nothing after receiving reports of such horrific conduct by the chief of police," he said. "If the affected women tell you this is happening to us, there is nothing hearsay about it."

The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within law enforcement, following claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mashazi's testimony has also raised questions about her relationship with suspended metro police chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye, who has been accused of fathering multiple children with subordinate officers.

The commission is expected to deliver its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by December 17, 2025.

Mashazi testified that allegations against Mapiyeye included fathering children with junior staff members, sexual harassment, and rape. She claimed that these allegations were first reported to her in 2016 and persisted throughout her term.

"If the affected women tell you this is happening to us, there is nothing hearsay about it," Justice Madlanga said. "You basically did nothing after receiving reports of such horrific conduct by the chief of police".

Mashazi also testified about allegations that suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi signed dubious deals with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's companies. Matlala is currently in police custody after being denied bail on attempted murder charges.

The deals included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between EMPD and Matlala's CAT VIP Protection Services, which was allegedly unlawful. Mkhwanazi also signed a second MoU with Matlala's company Medicare 24 Pty Ltd.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommended disciplinary charges against Mkhwanazi, but EMPD and the city failed to implement this recommendation.

Mashazi claimed that she acted by referring the IPID report to the city’s Corporate and Legal department and to Mapiyeye. However, she conceded that she relied entirely on the advice of HOD Legal Advocate Kemi Bohari and failed to follow up on basic facts.

"I concede that I did not follow up as an accounting officer," she said. "I reached the conclusion before I perused the document [IPID report] thoroughly".

The commission is expected to deliver its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by December 17, 2025.