EMPD deputy chief Mkhwanazi granted special leave after claims linking him to 'Cat' Matlala

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is officially on special leave following allegations that he’s linked to suspected underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The metro has confirmed that Mkhwanazi personally applied for the leave, which has now been granted.

Meanwhile, the city council is currently meeting to decide whether the EMPD top cop should be suspended.

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Last week, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped his name before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, accusing him of granting undue favours to Matlala.

It’s been a year since EWN reported that EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly handed over blue lights to attempted murder-accused Matlala.

Despite police watchdog IPID recommending disciplinary action against him, Mkhwanazi was instead promoted to acting head of the EMPD.

It was only after he was implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the city moved to act.

Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Phakamile Mbengashe, confirmed that Mkhwanazi was now on special leave.

"He made the application on Tuesday and that special leave was approved. As to how long, I don’t have that information. The process of applying for leave is a matter between an employee and their employer."

The Ekurhuleni city council will decide on Thursday whether Mkhwanazi should be suspended.