Whistleblower Killed After Exposing Illegal EMPD Operation, Inquiry Reveals

Whistleblower Murder Highlights Deep EMPD Corruption

A shocking case of corruption and retribution within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) came to light at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where witnesses revealed that a whistleblower was murdered shortly after exposing an unlawful police operation.

Retired EMPD Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies testified about a series of irregularities and criminal activities by EMPD officers operating under acting head Julius Mkhwanazi.

Illegal Operations Beyond EMPD’s Jurisdiction

The inquiry heard that in late 2022, several EMPD officers were arrested in connection with a copper theft operation in Meyerton, which is approximately 75 kilometres outside Ekurhuleni’s jurisdiction.

CCTV footage presented at the commission showed officers, including Mkhwanazi, at the business premises, confirming that the raid was unauthorised. Spies explained that the operation had no formal approval from the City of Ekurhuleni.

“This whole operation is irregular and I don’t think there’s any proof within the City of Ekurhuleni that it was ever authorised,” Spies told the commission.

The matter was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), resulting in the arrest and charging of several EMPD officers.

Connections to Tender Tycoon Abuse

Spies also testified that Mkhwanazi authorised two unlawful agreements with tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which allowed Matlala’s private security vehicles to be equipped with blue lights reserved for official law enforcement vehicles.

This revelation further underscored a pattern of misuse of authority and illegal activity within EMPD, raising serious questions about oversight in the metropolitan police force.

Whistleblower Murder Shocks Commission

Tragically, the whistleblower who provided the crucial CCTV evidence, Jaco Hanekom, was murdered shortly after the arrested officers were granted bail.

Spies described Hanekom as a key informant whose evidence exposed the illegal operation and corruption at the highest levels of EMPD. The murder has highlighted the dangers faced by those attempting to expose wrongdoing within law enforcement.

“Shortly after the officers were granted bail, Hanekom, the whistleblower who supplied the footage, was killed,” Spies said.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The revelations have reignited public concern over police accountability in South Africa, particularly the risks whistleblowers face when exposing corruption. Social media users expressed shock and demanded stronger protections for those who dare to speak out.

Many commentators have called for urgent reforms within the EMPD and stricter oversight of law enforcement operations to prevent such abuses of power and ensure that whistleblowers can safely come forward.

A Commission Under Pressure

The Madlanga Commission continues to examine mismanagement and corruption in municipal and law enforcement entities, with this case shining a spotlight on the high stakes for whistleblowers in South Africa.

For now, the murder of Hanekom remains a stark reminder of the personal cost of exposing corruption, while the inquiry seeks justice and accountability for both the whistleblower and the implicated officers.