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Ekurhuleni Blue-Light Scandal: Former Deputy Chief Testifies at Madlanga Commission
Power, Privilege, and Police Lights
The Madlanga Commission has once again thrown the spotlight on the alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), and this week’s testimony revealed just how deep the problem runs.
On Monday, retired EMPD Deputy Chief Revo Spies took the stand in Pretoria, continuing his explosive testimony on the so-called “blue-light scandal,” a saga that’s exposed a troubling mix of power abuse, favouritism and alleged criminal ties within the city’s police leadership.
The story began when suspended deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi was linked to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is facing attempted murder charges. According to Spies, Mkhwanazi authorised the illegal installation of official blue lights on Matlala’s private cars, effectively granting a civilian the visual privileges of law enforcement.
A Department Under Fire
The scandal doesn’t end there. The commission heard more damaging claims from suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, who accused his former deputy of treating the police department “like a personal fiefdom.”
Mapiyeye testified that Mkhwanazi allegedly signed a secret memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Matlala’s company, CAT VIP Security, giving it municipal contracts without approval from higher authorities. The MoU, according to Mapiyeye, was never sanctioned through proper channels, raising serious questions about governance and accountability within the EMPD.
It was also alleged that during Mapiyeye’s absence on leave, Mkhwanazi used his influence to fast-track promotions for 55 loyal officers, register Matlala’s vehicles under the city’s name, and even attempt a suspicious vehicle donation that reportedly never came through.
The Bigger Picture
The Madlanga Commission, named after its chairperson, is holding sessions at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, where it continues to unravel how public resources and authority may have been hijacked for private gain.
What’s becoming increasingly clear is that this isn’t just about a few blue lights; it’s about a culture of entitlement within certain parts of local law enforcement. The testimonies paint a picture of a system that blurred the line between public duty and personal benefit and where alleged underworld figures had more influence than they should have.
A Public Outcry
For residents of Ekurhuleni, the scandal has reignited long-standing frustration with corruption in local government. Many have taken to social media to express anger and disbelief that something as blatant as “loaning out” police privileges could happen within a department meant to serve the people.
The Commission’s work has become a symbol of accountability, and South Africans are watching closely. If the allegations hold up, the consequences could reshape how municipal police departments are managed and monitored across the country.
For now, the Madlanga Commission continues its slow but steady uncovering of the truth, one testimony at a time.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: SABC News
