IPID report flagged alleged misconduct by EMPD’s Mkhwanazi: Nciza

Former Ekurhuleni Human Resources director, Xolani Nciza, says the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) released a report containing damning allegations against Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi shortly before his appointment as deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

The IPID report recommended that an internal disciplinary process be instituted and be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Nciza said there is sufficient evidence for Mkhwanazi to face disciplinary action for gross misconduct within the municipality.

He explained that in December 2023, IPID submitted its findings to Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Sivuyile Ngodqana. Following the report, Mkhwanazi allegedly circulated a letter among municipal officials rejecting the report’s conclusions. Nciza described the letter as nonsensical, questioning its authorship and saying it did not reflect the municipality’s official position.

The letter, though of unclear authorship, was allegedly signed by public officials including High Court advocate Njabulo Zulu and municipal legal advisor Thabo Makwiting. Nciza insisted their names were fraudulently used and that advocate Kemi Behari, head of EMPD’s Corporate Legal Services, was the only legal practitioner handling the matter.

Nciza further alleged that former city manager Imogen Mashazi amended the municipality’s disciplinary rules after Mkhwanazi’s misconduct case was forcefully withdrawn.

He said the amendments gave sole authority to Behari to initiate investigations, sidelining other municipal units and making the process impractical and unfair:

“Part of the amendments says we can’t have an investigation unless it’s approved by the HOD CLS. This is just impossible. Effectively it’s saying that councillors cannot investigate; they must get the authorisation of their junior, because all of us are juniors to councillors; they are the political leadership of the municipality. But also all these other units that have vested investigation authority now have their authority taken away. So before they can conduct any investigation, they must get approval from the HOD CLS. It’s just impossible,” said Nciza.

He also told the commission that in 2023, Behari found no substantial case against Mkhwanazi despite allegations that he had fraudulently awarded a tender to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matala’s company, Cat VIP Security Services, and was allegedly linked to a shop owner’s murder. He criticised Behari for failing to provide a report explaining the decision, which is standard procedure within the municipality.

Nciza said the stated reason for his own suspension in 2023 — failure to present his qualifications — was a disguise to mask the real reason, his opposition to Mkhwanazi’s influence. He explained that he had served the municipality for 28 years, provided all necessary documentation, and had risen through the ranks on experience and competency:

He added that an online campaign against him led to a fraud case being lodged with the South African Police Service, resulting in his suspension, despite investigations confirming his qualifications were authentic. Nciza said he believes Mkhwanazi orchestrated the chain of events.

The commission will continue with hearings on Friday.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao