Madlanga Commission | Suspended EMPD chief says disciplining deputy led to his downfall

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief of Police, Isaac Mapiyeye, says his attempts to discipline his deputy, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, were repeatedly obstructed — ultimately leading to his own suspension last year.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Friday, Mapiyeye detailed allegations of misconduct by several of his subordinates during his tenure.

He accused Mkhwanazi of, among other things, illegally granting blue-light privileges to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and manipulating tender and recruitment processes to benefit associates.

Mapiyeye said internal investigations had recommended that IPID probe Mkhwanazi for gross dishonesty, negligence, and bringing the EMPD into disrepute.

He told the commission that Mkhwanazi — who was briefly suspended in February last year — allegedly worked closely with EMPD HR Head Linda Gxasheka and Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi.

“My space and the risk I am subjected to and my family; that is the space I am concerned about, including my health status. I am at home now for the past year and two months with these challenges I am faced with. It impacts very negatively to my health and my family at large” he said.

The suspended police chief revealed that, following his unofficial suspension, his protection detail and service firearms were withdrawn, despite IPID’s risk assessment confirming threats to his life.

He added that he had received death threats for refusing to drop charges against Brigadier Mkhwanazi and accused several officials within his department of misconduct and intimidation.

The embattled police chief, who has served the City of Ekurhuleni for over four decades, said the report on allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment against him was never submitted to council, and that he was never given an official suspension resolution.

Mapiyeye told the commission he had faced ongoing hostility from colleagues within Ekurhuleni and beyond since assuming office.

“All my attempts to discipline Brigadier Mkhwanazi were frustrated by the city manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi; the HOD of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka; and HOD of legal services, Advocate Behaari. In fact these attempts led me to be suspended on numerous occasions, culminating in disciplinary charges for alleged sexual harassment being levelled against me,” he added.

He revealed that following his unofficial suspension, his protection detail and service firearms were withdrawn, despite IPID’s risk assessment confirming threats to his life.

He further told the commission that Mkhwanazi’s appointment as Deputy Police Chief was procedurally flawed, claiming the interview panel never completed its task.

Mapiyeye explained that both Mkhwanazi and staff officer Evana du Plessis were shortlisted for the position and required to undergo a competency assessment, which he says never took place.

“The HOD of HR never reconvened the panel for the purpose stated above. I have never seen the competency assessment results of either candidate and do not know if either undertook such assessment. I can confirm that the interview panel thus never completed its task and neither did it recommend the appointment of any of the two candidates to the post,” he said.

Mapiyeye added that weeks later, he was shocked to see Brigadier Mkhwanazi appear at an EMPD roadblock operation in December 2023, dressed in the full uniform of the Deputy Police Chief.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao