‘You Guys Hate Julius’: Ex-Ekurhuleni Manager’s Fury Over EMPD Deputy Suspension

Madlanga Commission probes political interference and corruption

A dramatic hearing at the Madlanga Commission revealed how former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi reportedly erupted in anger over the extended suspension of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

Xolani Nciza, the municipality’s former head of employee relations, testified that Mashazi’s reaction was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “I had never experienced such hostility from her,” Nciza said, describing a phone call in which Mashazi accused him and EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye of unfairly targeting Mkhwanazi.

Controversial Ties to Tenderpreneur Cat Matlala

The commission also explored Mkhwanazi’s alleged links to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a so-called “Big Five” criminal network member facing attempted murder charges.

Nciza testified that Mkhwanazi had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Matlala’s healthcare company, Medicare24, without proper municipal approval. “You can’t willy-nilly have such documents,” Nciza said, questioning the authenticity of the MOU which appeared signed only by Mkhwanazi.

A separate MOU with Matlala’s security firm, CAT VIP Protection, was also highlighted. It was signed by Mkhwanazi in October 2021, but Matlala’s signature only came eight months laterafter municipal officials were allegedly safeguarded during a State of the City address. “This is very anomalous,” Nciza noted.

‘An Extortion Gone Wrong’

Nciza further recounted a 2022 murder in Brakpan, where three of Mkhwanazi’s subordinates allegedly tortured and killed a shop owner during what he called “an extortion gone wrong.” Mkhwanazi was accused of assisting in “cleaning up” the scene.

Because arrests were pending, the municipality delayed disciplinary action. Eventually, the suspension of Mkhwanazi, initially set to expire in May 2023, was extended to prevent his return.

Mashazi’s Outburst

According to Nciza, Mashazi called him on the evening of 22 May 2023, shouting and insisting that Mkhwanazi’s suspension should not be extended.

“She just came at me… You guys hate Julius, you and your friend Chief Mapiyeye, you hate Julius. We must leave Julius alone. You’re not going to extend this suspension,” Nciza recounted.

Even after he explained he lacked authority to extend suspensions, Mashazi allegedly demanded Mkhwanazi’s immediate reinstatement and an update by 11am the next day.

“I had known Mashazi since 1999,” Nciza said. “But I had never seen her behave this way. She was genuinely angry that there was even an attempt of extending the suspension of Mkhwanazi.”

Local Context & Commentary:

The testimony adds to growing concerns about political interference and irregular municipal dealings in Ekurhuleni. Social media has since lit up with debate, with some users condemning potential corruption and others questioning the influence of political alliances over law enforcement accountability.

The Madlanga Commission’s ongoing inquiry into political interference, criminal misconduct, and corruption within municipalities and the justice system continues to reveal startling internal dynamics that shape public administration in Gauteng.

{Source: The Citizen}

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