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

Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza suggests there may have been flaws in the process that saw Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi return to work following his suspension on corruption claims two years ago.

Mkhwanazi was briefly suspended in 2023 over suspected links to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala. He was later reinstated despite reports that no disciplinary proceedings were instituted against him.

Earlier in September, the EMPD top cop was also named in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for allegedly providing Matlala with blue lights unlawfully.

ALSO READ:

• Some political parties in Ekurhuleni disappointed with the move not to suspend EMPD's Mkhwanazi
• Ekurhuleni council rejects motion to suspend EMPD deputy chief Mkhwanazi
• EMPD deputy chief Mkhwanazi granted special leave after claims linking him to 'Cat' Matlala

In an interview with EWN, Mayor Xhakaza confirmed the city was currently reviewing how Mkhwanazi was reinstated.

"If a suspension happened in 2023, for us to activate another suspension, we have to check what went wrong the first time," Xhakaza stated. "The preliminary audit is pointing to some of the shortfalls in the process."

ALSO READ:

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

• Ekurhuleni council rejects motion to suspend EMPD deputy chief Mkhwanazi

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