Ekurhuleni's Xhakaza orders urgent review of 55 alleged irregular promotions within EMPD

Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza has ordered an urgent review of 55 alleged irregular promotions within the city's metro police department.

The mayoral directive follows testimony heard last week at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which revealed that suspended EMPD top official, Julius Mkhwanazi, allegedly promoted 55 officers in a mere three months.

Mkhwanazi is currently facing serious allegations that he facilitated the infiltration of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) by suspected criminal Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Mayor Xhakaza assured South Africans that the matter would be dealt with decisively.

"Additionally, I have mandated the city manager to review all 55 alleged irregular promotions of police officers granted in recent years. The report is expected within seven days," Xhakaza stated.

The mayor further emphasised the city's commitment to accountability, noting: "Where promotion decisions lack proper justification or are found to be allegedly irregular or politically influenced, corrective action will follow."