Gxasheka tells Madlanga Commission she feared for her life after signing Mkhwanazi suspension

Linda Gxasheka, the suspended Head of Human Resources for the Ekurhuleni Municipality, has denied allegations that she was part of a "clique" used to shield Deputy Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi from corruption charges.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Gxasheka maintained that she did not know Mkhwanazi well. In fact, she told the commission she was afraid of him after hearing rumours that he was a "dangerous man."

One of the primary accusations against Gxasheka is that, in her capacity as HR Head, she failed to implement disciplinary measures against Mkhwanazi.

This inaction allegedly occurred despite a formal report from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which implicated the Deputy Chief in fraud and corruption.

Gxasheka disputed this version of events, stating that shortly after the IPID report was released, she met with the Chief of Police and other senior officials to determine the appropriate course of action.

“A day or two days later, the Chief (Isaac Mapiyeye) kept on calling me saying, 'Action HOD, you have to sign the suspension.' I have a professional duty to sign, whether I am safe or not safe. I want it to be recorded here... that ultimately I did sign the intention to suspend.”

Gxasheka highlighted the irony of her position, noting that even those with the means to protect themselves were intimidated by Mkhwanazi.

"Despite the Chief of Police, who has guns and firearms that we don’t have, telling us how scared he was of this person, because of my judicial duty, I did sign that suspension letter," Gxasheka testified.

Following the signing of the suspension letter, Gxasheka claims she requested a risk threat analysis to ensure the safety of herself and her family.

According to her testimony, that security assessment was never conducted.