MKHWANAZI'S BLUE LIGHT BLUNDER: A LEADER CLUMBLES IN THE DARK

Suspended acting head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Julius Mkhwanazi.

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

Johannesburg - In a stunning display of incompetence, suspended acting head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Julius Mkhwanazi has conceded that he wrongly authorized the use of blue lights on private company vehicles, a move that has raised serious questions about his leadership and judgment.

Mkhwanazi's testimony before the Madlanga Commission was a masterclass in confusion and ignorance, as he struggled to explain the reasoning behind his decision to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with companies owned by 'tender tycoon' Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, without proper approval from his superiors.

The MOUs, which allowed Matlala's companies, Medicare24 and CAT VIP Protection, to use blue lights and conduct analysis of drugs and blood samples at roadblocks, have been widely criticized as a blatant abuse of power and a threat to public safety.

Under questioning, Mkhwanazi admitted that he had no knowledge of the EMPD's standard operating procedures, and had not bothered to consult with his colleagues or superiors before signing the MOUs.

"I didn't know that I needed to follow protocol," Mkhwanazi claimed, adding that he thought the agreements were "a good idea" at the time.

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi was incredulous, pressing Mkhwanazi on why he had not bothered to familiarize himself with the EMPD's regulations and procedures.

"How can you be expected to lead an organization when you don't even know the rules?" Baloyi asked, shaking her head in dismay.

Mkhwanazi's responses only seemed to get worse, as he stumbled and stumbled, revealing a shocking lack of understanding of even the most basic concepts.

"I don't know what the EMPD's policies are on evidence handling," he said, when asked about the MOU with Medicare24. "I didn't think it was important."

The audience in the hearing room was aghast, with some observers describing Mkhwanazi's performance as "criminally inept".

"Cde Mkhwanazi's actions are a clear example of the rot that has plagued our public institutions," said a senior ANC official. "We will not tolerate corruption and abuse of power in our ranks, but we also expect our leaders to be competent and capable."

The Azanian calls for a full investigation into Mkhwanazi's conduct and demands that those responsible for this scandal be held accountable.