Madlanga Commission: IPID assistant director to continue with testimony

The Independet Police Investigative Director (IPID) assistant director for investigations, Thulani Magagula is expected to continue his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Friday.

On Thursday, Magagula denied allegations made by retired Ekurhuleni Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies regarding investigations into Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officials.

Magagula addressed cases raised by Spies, including the Brakpan murder of Emmanuel Mbense and the fitting of blue lights for alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala’s private vehicles.

He said allegations that IPID undermined or delayed investigating these cases are false.

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Magagula confirmed meeting with Spies, suspended EMPD head Isaac Mapiyeye and Colonel Hennie Erasmus in Roodepoort to discuss the so-called blue lights saga.

"The allegations as I understand them are that I as an IPID investigator either deliberately sought to undermine or delay investigations that had potential to or did implicate Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi of EMPD. I deny these allegations and I will demonstrate to the commission that they are factually incorrect."

He added that the municipality did receive a report of the probe as soon as it was concluded.

"The matter was allocated to Mr Xulu as the investigator, and he finalised his investigation and filed a negative report with the Ekurhuleni City Manager."