Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, senior Ekurhuleni official to appear in court

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and a senior Ekurhuleni municipal official are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Monday.

The pair was arrested at the weekend on charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Mkhwanazi, who appeared before the Madlanga Commission last week, is accused of abusing his position to benefit associates, including alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Police, however, said that the charges are not linked to evidence presented at the commission probing claims of a compromised justice system, infiltrated by criminal networks.

Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on Saturday by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Madlanga task team, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to act on evidence emerging from the commission.

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However, police insist the arrest is unrelated to the inquiry and that further details will be released on Monday.

They have also denied any link to an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into allegations linked to the 2022 killing of Emmanuel Mbense.

Mkhwanazi is also under investigation over his alleged role in the theft of precious stones from a Johannesburg resident, reportedly involving members under his command. The second suspect arrested in Johannesburg will appear alongside Mkhwanazi in court.