Ekurhuleni Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Caught in Corruption Scandal

Background and the rise of Julius Mkhwanazi

Julius Mkhwanazi has been a fixture in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) for years, climbing the ranks from junior officer to Deputy Chief of Police. His name first surfaced in the media in 2022 when, as acting chief, he allegedly handed out blue‑light equipment to personal friends. That early controversy set off a chain of investigations that have yet to be resolved.

In early 2023, EMPD records show four police vehicles were registered under the city's name, only to be transferred a few months later to CAT VIP Protection—a private security outfit owned by businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala. No memorandum of understanding existed between the municipality and the private firm, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the transfer.

IPID findings and city response

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), led by Deputy Municipal Police Commissioner Revo Spies, compiled a detailed report that accuses Mkhwanazi of abusing state resources. Acting National Head of Investigations Thuso Keefelakae signed off on the document, which outlines how the four vehicles were first listed as municipal assets before being re‑registered under CAT VIP ownership by March 2023. The report also highlights alleged collusion between Mkhwanazi and Matlala, suggesting the vehicles were fitted with blue lights to appear as official police units.

Even though the IPID report recommended disciplinary action more than a year ago, the City of Ekurhuleni has taken no visible steps to punish the deputy chief. Instead, when Chief Isaac Mapiyeye was suspended over multiple sexual‑harassment complaints, Mkhwanazi was promoted to Acting Chief of Police. The move sparked outrage among opposition parties and civil‑society groups.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal, accusing the EMPD of operating like a "mafia‑style" outfit. According to DA statements, Mkhwanazi has placed officers with criminal records into senior roles and approved promotions for candidates who failed to meet basic qualifications. The party also pointed out that the city spent over R600,000 on an external investigation firm, yet the case was abruptly withdrawn shortly after senior official Xolani Nciza resigned.

Adding another layer, testimony at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry revealed that Mkhwanazi allegedly helped Matlala register private vehicles under the municipality's name, making them look like funded municipal assets. Those vehicles, now sporting blue lights, create a false impression of official police endorsement.

In June 2024, a forensic report titled “Forensic Investigation Report Into Allegations of Defamatory Statements Made Against the City…” defended Mkhwanazi, claiming that the media leak of the allegations was itself a breach of the Protection of Personal Information Act. The report suggests he should lodge complaints against senior metro police officials for the leak.

Despite the swirling accusations, Mkhwanazi continues to serve as Acting Chief, while an external firm reviews the sexual‑misconduct charges against the suspended chief. Findings from that investigation are expected before the end of November, and the DA has urged the council to table the IPID report and push the National Prosecuting Authority to place the case on the court roll.

The situation underscores a broader crisis of trust in the Ekurhuleni police. Residents are left questioning whether the force can ever be transparent and accountable when senior leaders appear insulated from serious misconduct allegations.