IPID head reaffirms claims of political protection for suspended EMPD chief

Acting Head of IPID, Thuso Keefelakae, has reaffirmed claims that suspended EMPD Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, enjoyed political protection.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Keefelakae confirmed that he personally signed off on a report recommending disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi was at the centre of several probes by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) —being accused of having led a rogue EMPD unit, who are implicated in the 2022 murder of a man in Brakpan.

During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi confirmed that he shared close links with alleged criminal kingpin and tenderpreneur, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Keefelakae says until today, no one from EMPD or the City of Ekurhuleni has provided IPID with reasons as to why Mkhwanazi was never taken to task.

"EMPD did not have the appetite to implement those recommendations against Brigadier Mkhwanazi. I was also disappointed to see a letter, that was a fake letter, made by politicians to exonerate Mkhwanazi."

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