Madlanga Commission hears that acting EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi was favoured

Gross insubordination by the Acting head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Julius Mkhwanazi, has formed the crux of suspended EMPD chief, Isaac Mapiyeye’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

Mapiyeye resumed his testimony on Friday and concluded shortly before 2pm this afternoon.

Picking up from Thursday, Mapiyeye emphasised how Mkhwanazi was never officially appointed to head the embattled metro police department.

Mapiyeye claims that Brigadier Mkhwanazi, who's been accused of having links to criminally accused tender tycoon, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, didn't even meet the criteria to fill the post of deputy commissioner within the metro police.

Mkhwanazi was made acting EMPD head after Mapiyeye was suspended in November on charges of sexual misconduct.

Mapiyeye alleges that Mkhwanazi was favoured by former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi, earning him political protection and no accountability.

A probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into Mkhwanazi related to allegations that he fitted Matlala’s private security vehicle with blue lights, among other things.

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The IPID report recommended disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi.

"All the members who were involved with assisting IPID in that investigation, they were dealt with by the city. "

During an interview with EWN in September, Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza said they had launched an investigation as to why the IPID recommendations were not implemented.