Madlanga Commission | Suspended EMPD head claims Matlala’s company was awarded security tender illegally

Suspended EMPD chief, Isaac Mapiyeye, exposed controversial agreements with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s companies during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission.

Mapiyeye, told the commission on Thursday, that Matlala’s company, CAT VIP Security Services, was fraudulently awarded a tender during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He revealed that in 2020, the City of Ekurhuleni issued a public tender for security providers, and Matlala’s company was initially not among the successful bidders.

He claims the company was later added to the list and received a confirmation letter signed by Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

However, Mapiyeye claims no EMPD official received the listed services, and that the letter was signed by the city’s manager, Imogen Mashazi, without his knowledge or involvement.

He also alleged that security personnel from Matlala’s company were allowed to perform duties outside their mandate, including examining cadets at the EMPD college and participating in crime-fighting operations.

“We are also involved in crime combating with Cat Security Services together with other security services which are committed in crime-fighting priorities around the city. Cat Security is assisting EMPD by providing additional technology of monitoring the actions and movements of criminals, tracking suspects, and other resources we use when engaging, chasing, and arresting these highly trained and skilled repeat offenders that are not afraid to fight back the police when cornered,” he added.

He further claimed that Brigadier Mkhwanazi submitted a memorandum of understanding outlining duties that overstepped the department’s responsibilities.

Mapiyeye also accused the EMPD HR head, Linda Gxasheka, of undermining his authority by attempting to extend the contract of then-deputy chief officer Goodman Mzolo without his knowledge.

He said HR had been instructed to advertise the post and arrange interviews, with two candidates — Mkhwanazi and Evan Du Plessis — shortlisted by November 2023.

The suspended chief also alleged that Gxasheka colluded with other officials in recruitment processes during his absence.

He added Mkhwanazi made 55 appointments or promotions between May and July 2024 without his involvement, including positions such as directors, deputy directors, chief superintendents, superintendents, and inspectors. He claimed many of these appointees did not meet job requirements or were hired for positions that were never advertised, with most coming from Mkhwanazi’s unit.

Mapiyeye further criticized the limited powers of municipal police officers compared to SAPS, saying that EMPD, JMPD, and TMPD are restricted to traffic policing, enforcing municipal bylaws, and crime prevention. Any suspects they arrest must be handed over to SAPS for further investigation, which he says hinders crime-fighting efforts.

“From experience, we arrest a drunken driver and hand over the blood sample at the police station. Often, we don’t get feedback, and sometimes the blood sample doesn’t even reach the lab. If municipal officers could handle these cases directly, we could reduce crime and enhance community safety,” Mapiyeye said.

The chief was suspended in September last year over allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation.

During his testimony, he alleged that Mkhwanazi conspired with Gxasheka and Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Mashazi while he was only acting in the position of chief.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao