Julius Mkhwanazi claims Matlala forged his signature on 2021 letter of authority

Suspended acting Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) chief Julius Mkhwanazi claims a 2021 letter of authority that tender tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala used was forged.

The letter claimed that Matlala’s private security company, Cat VIP Protection, had an “endless working relationship with EMPD”.

It listed the registration details of seven vehicles, owned by Matlala, claiming they were used to assist the metro police.

ALSO READ:

• Suspended EMPD head Julius Mkhwanazi concedes he was the only signature on Matlala agreements
• Suspended EMPD head admits to refusing criminal record check
• 'He presented a forged plan': Ex-EMPD deputy chief accused of misleading Madlanga Commission

But Mkhwanazi denies he signed the letter and on Wednesday told the Madlanga Commission that his signature was forged.

Mkhwanazi agrees that he did sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between two of Matlala’s companies, but claims the letter of authority Matlala was using to evade law enforcement did not bare his signature and that it was forged.

Both the letter of authority and MOUs were dated and signed in October 2021.

But Mkhwanazi argues the legitimacy of the letter Matlala was using.

“I’m contesting it - this is not my signature. My signature has a big J and the D, this one? No. And I got this on social media.”

Mkhwanazi claims despite him signing the MOUs with Matlala’s companies, it was never officially approved by EMPD.