Death threats, gross misconduct and criminal investigations into certain EMPD cops

Allegations of death threats, gross misconduct, political appointments and criminal investigations into certain Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) cops were made before the Madlanga Commission of inquiry this week.

Suspended EMPD head Isaac Mapiyeye, testified on Thursday and Friday highlighting issues of gross insubordination by the current acting EMPD head Julius Mkhwanazi.

This includes Mkhwanazi being appointed to a position he did not qualify for after several criminal investigations were opened against him, including a case of corruption pertaining to a dodgy deal with tender tycoon, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matalala.

Mapiyeye claims that he and his deputy, Revo Spies, were threatened by former Ekurhuleni city manager, Imogen Mashazi, with hitmen.

Mashazi allegedly wanted Mapiyeye and spies to stop pursuing probes into Mkhwanazi, after he had allegedly struck an unlawful deal between EMPD and criminally accused Matlala.

The deal would see Matlala “donate” four vehicles to the City of Ekurhuleni in exchange for support from EMPD regarding his privatesecurity company Cat VIP Protection.

The deal resulted in an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) probe recommending disciplinary action being taken against Mkhwanazi, something which never materialised.

On Friday Mapiyeye told the Madlanga Commission that Mashazi threatened to hand over his name to a hitmen and the late notorious taxi boss, Jonathan “Mswazi” Msibi if they wouldn’t leave Mkhwanazi alone.

"(She said) my name and commissioner Spies will be handed over to hitmen, she mentioned a person by the name of Mswazi."

Mapiyeye was suspended in November after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged.

Mkhwanazi was then made acting EMPD chief.