Ekurhuleni Mayor orders 30-day probe into suspended EMPD Deputy Chief, senior officials over alleged misconduct

Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza said he expects a preliminary report within 30 days on an investigation into alleged misconduct by some of the municipality’s senior officials.

Speaking at a media briefing in Germiston on Tuesday morning, Xhakaza announced that he has launched an investigation into all officials implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and former city manager Imogen Mashazi are among those accused of allowing criminal elements to infiltrate the department.

Last week, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry focused heavily on corruption allegations within the EMPD.

At the centre of the claims is Mkhwanazi, who is accused of signing a fraudulent agreement with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s private security company.

It has also been alleged that Mashazi may have provided protection to Mkhwanaziduring prior investigations into his misconduct.

Xhakaza said he will not overlook the serious allegations raised at the commission.

“Given the serious and deeply concerning developments now emerging, both internally and through alleged irregularities presented at the Madlanga Commission, I have mandated the city manager to institute a broader, comprehensive internal investigation into alleged misconduct and administrative failures within the city’s law enforcement structures. This investigation must produce a preliminary report within 30 days.”

Although Mkhwanazi was only suspended last week, it has been two years since his alleged connections to Matlala first came to light.

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