MKHWANAZI'S CAT-ASTROPHE: Contradictions and Confusion Mark Testimony at Madlanga Commission

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

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

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi's testimony before the Madlanga Commission has descended into chaos, with the commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga expressing frustration at Mkhwanazi's contradictory statements.

Mkhwanazi's dealings with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's private security and medical companies were under scrutiny, with evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello questioning his role in the blue-lights saga.

The commission heard that Mkhwanazi had signed memoranda of agreement with Matlala's companies, CAT VIP Protection Services (Cat VIP) and Medicare24, without proper authority, and had attempted to defend the inclusion of blue-light access and drug-testing authority for Medicare24.

However, under pressure, Mkhwanazi conceded that private vehicles fitted with blue lights would be unlawful and that he had no formal relationships with private companies before October 2021, contradicting earlier testimony.

The commission also questioned Mkhwanazi's motivations for selecting Cat VIP for the 2022 State of the City Address, with Sello producing a letter from Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye requesting basic information about the private company's deployment.

Mkhwanazi claimed that senior EMPD leaders were aware of Cat VIP's involvement, but Sello presented internal correspondence suggesting that operational commanders had no knowledge of Cat VIP's participation.

The commission also scrutinized the "operational plan" Mkhwanazi submitted as proof of Cat VIP's sanctioned deployment, with Sello and Commissioner Sandile Khumalo raising doubts about its authenticity.

Sello described the document as "highly suspect" and said the probability of identical errors occurring independently in two systems was "highly, highly improbable".

Mkhwanazi's testimony has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the EMPD.

The commission's investigation has also raised questions about the role of former city manager Imogen Mashazi, who has been accused of failing to act on allegations of corruption and misconduct within the EMPD.

Mashazi has denied any wrongdoing, but her testimony has been criticized as lacking transparency and accountability.

The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing testimony from Mkhwanazi and other witnesses in the coming weeks.

The commission's findings are expected to have far-reaching implications for the EMPD and the city of Ekurhuleni, and could lead to significant reforms and accountability measures.

In the meantime, the people of Ekurhuleni are calling for justice and transparency in the management of their city's police department.

As one resident said, "We want to know who is responsible for this mess and what they are going to do to fix it. We deserve better than this."