Mkhwanazi admits to wrongly authorising blue lights for private companies

The suspended acting EMPD Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has conceded that it was wrong for him to sign off on two agreements allowing private company vehicles to be fitted with red and blue lights.

The vehicles were registered to companies Medicare24 and CAT VIP Protection, both owned by 'tender tycoon,' Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

READ: Suspended EMPD head Julius Mkhwanazi concedes he was the only signature on Matlala agreements

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi agreed that he signed both Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), arguing that it was for the benefit of EMPD employees.

According to Julius Mkhwanazi, the agreements between EMPD and Vusimuzi Matlala’s companies were for mutual benefit and carried no cost from either party.

Mkhwanazi explained that Matlala would donate vehicles to the municipality and assist EMPD at scenes where members were injured or required medical assistance. In return, Matlala' companies used the opportunity for free marketing and branding.

"I think the publicity they were going to get when they are operational, on the road helping an officer, the media publicity, the marketing, it was going to take them to another level," Mkhwanazi stated.

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi took issue with the MOU with Medicare24, which would allow the company to conduct analysis of drugs and the taking of blood samples at roadblocks on behalf of EMPD.

"You were prepared to agree to, at the scene of a drug bust, have a private company handle what would ultimately be evidence?" Baloyi asked.

Mkhwanazi agreed that the MOUs were wrong but maintained that they were never signed by the EMPD Chief and his Deputy, andwere therefore not officially approved.