Madlanga Commission | Mkhwanazi denies granting Matlala blue-light privileges

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, has denied installing blue lights on vehicles belonging to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Mkhwanazi is accused of abusing state resources to benefit associates, including allegedly granting Matlala’s vehicles unlawful blue-light privileges and signing an open-ended security tender with Matlala’s company, CAT VIP Protection.

He told the commission that he was suspended for three months over allegations he denies. He did not contest the suspension and stayed away from colleagues while at home.

Mkhwanazi explained that he introduced Matlala — whom he met through community safety officials — to the EMPD.

Senior officials then assisted in drafting and signing an operational plan for CAT VIP Protection, which Mkhwanazi says was offered free of charge. He maintains that Matlala’s vehicles were never operating under the EMPD brand.

Mkhwanazi said that shortly after returning to work following his suspension in February 2023, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) approached him with additional allegations, including claims he aided in a body-dumping in Brakpan, which he flatly denies.

He was also accused of ordering EMPD members to operate outside Ekurhuleni.

Mkhwanazi also defended allowing Matlala’s Pretoria-based security company to work with the municipality, saying the City of Ekurhuleni had no objection and that the company’s personnel had specialised skills that could enhance EMPD operations.

Mkhwanazi said he did not know Matlala personally and had only been informed about him by community safety officials.

He insisted he acted within the city’s operational mandate and was puzzled by EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye’s claim that he had exceeded his authority.

Mkhwanazi said his agreements with Matlala’s companies aimed to improve officer welfare, including access to medical services through Medicare 24. The commission heard that as EMPD director of specialised services, Mkhwanazi signed an agreement stating that red-and-blue light services would be extended to the companies’ private vehicles.

He said he had long raised concerns about the EMPD’s lack of essential resources, including medical support and protective gear, and welcomed external assistance. Medicare 24, he said, was intended to act as first responders for officers facing life-threatening emergencies on duty.

“I still raise it and I am raising it with the commission that the life of the officers comes first and I am still raising it that whatever offer that came I will consider them to make sure that the lives of our officers are taken care of,” Mkhwanazi said.

Mkhwanazi added that before the proposal reached the EMPD, Medicare Holdings co-founder Mike van Wyk had presented it to senior Ekurhuleni city managers. When asked whether the city formally approved the agreement, Mkhwanazi gave unclear responses but said senior officials reacted positively.

He also accused Commissioner Revo Spies of presenting a forged operational plan for CAT VIP Security Services. He explained that the operational plan was developed and signed by senior EMPD officials at no cost, with Spies present during its development.

Mkhwanazi suggested Matlala’s involvement was part of a marketing strategy.

“I forgot to mention. It’s just that I was summarising. It was at no cost to the city. He said no I just want to assist. I think for him it was part of a marketing strategy. He didn’t charge us anything. I will be lying commissioner,” Mkhwanazi explained.

He added that the plan was initially drafted by Chief Superintendent Timba and signed off by Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye, Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Goodman Mzolo, and himself.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao