Whistleblower murdered after exposing unlawful EMPD operation, Inquiry told

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard how a whistleblower was murdered shortly after exposing an unlawful Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) operation that led to the arrest of several officers.

Retired EMPD Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies testified before the Commission in Pretoria, outlining multiple criminal cases against EMPD members who operated under the leadership of acting EMPD head Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi has been accused of authorising two unlawful agreements with tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, allowing Matlala’s private security vehicles to be fitted with blue lights, a privilege reserved for official law enforcement.

According to Spies, several EMPD members were arrested in late 2022 in connection with a copper theft case in Meyerton, an area far outside their jurisdiction.

CCTV footage showing the officers, including Mkhwanazi, arriving at the business premises was presented before the Madlanga Commission.

Spies told the inquiry that the footage was provided by Jaco Hanekom, one of his informants and confirmed that the operation was illegal, taking place approximately 75 kilometres beyond EMPD’ jurisdiction.

“This whole operation is irregular and I don’t think there’s any proof within the City of Ekurhuleni that it was ever authorised,” Spies testified.

The matter was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which arrested and charged several EMPD officers.

Spies said that shortly afterthe officers were granted bail, Hanekom, the whistleblower who had supplied the footage, was murdered.