Xhakaza calls DA to account for how Matlala allegedly infiltrated Ekurhuleni under its administration

Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza has passed the buck to the Democratic Alliance (DA) over some rot in the municipality, calling the party to account for how kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala allegedly infiltrated the municipality under its administration.

More than a year ago, it emerged that Matlala's vehicles were equipped with blue lights, allegedly supplied to him unlawfully by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

ALSO READ:

- Xhakaza says Ekurhuleni reviewing reinstatement of EMPD deputy chief following suspension on corruption claims in 2023

- Ekurhuleni confirms probe into allegations EMPD's Mkhwanazi extended undue favours to Matlala

- Some political parties in Ekurhuleni disappointed with the move not to suspend EMPD's Mkhwanazi

Mkhwanazi was recently implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he was accused of granting undue favours to Matlala.

Xhakaza has told EWN that he believes the infiltration of the Ekurhuleni metro police department occurred under the leadership of former mayor Tania Campbell.

Xhakaza said neither he nor the African National Congress (ANC) can be blamed for allegations that the EMPD was infiltrated by Matlala.

"We should not forget to tell our people that, by the way, it was the DA that was in power and at the helm of leadership in Ekurhuleni when some of these things happened."

He said the DA must account for why its oversight mechanisms failed to detect and address Matlala’s links to senior EMPD officials.

"We have asked Tania Campbell in council to also tell us what’s happening. We don’t want the administrative accountability of the deputy chief of police and mix it with political things. Politicians do oversight, and the administrative officials deal with administrative processes."

The DA has refuted the mayor’s allegations, saying it informed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) about Matlala's alleged influence in the EMPD.