Johannesburg – Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi has been placed on immediate suspension following danming testimony at the Madlanga Commission that alleged serious wrongdoing involving the abuse of blue lights.
In a statement, the City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that Mkhwanazi had been placed on suspension, effective 11 November 2025.
“This follows the recommendations of an internal audit investigation into allegations of misconduct,” the statement said.
“The suspension is an administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the disciplinary process and should not be construed as a finding of guilt.
“Formal disciplinary proceedings will now follow, in line with applicable labour laws and municipal regulations.”
Mkhwanazi is accused, among other crimes, of torture, corruption, running a rogue police unit, forging official city documents, and promoting officers with criminal records.
The City of Ekurhuleni leadership said it was closely monitoring the serious allegations emerging from the ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission.
Mkhwanazi is also accused of unlawfully providing blue lights and municipal vehicles to jailed controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also the subject of the Madlanga Commission.
Commenting on the developments, City Manager Kagiso Lerutla stated, “The testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is both shocking and deeply concerning.
“It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate. We are unequivocally committed to clean governance, accountability, and restoring public trust in our municipality.”
“In line with municipal legislation and our clean governance mandate,” the City Manager continued, “we are launching an immediate and independent internal investigation into new allegations of wrongdoing within the EMPD.
“We will act decisively on its findings, without fear or favour.”
The City emphasised that this broader internal investigation is separate from the completed audit that led to Mkhwanazi’s suspension.
“Its scope will be expanded as necessary to include any further evidence or allegations that may arise from the Commission’s proceedings,” the statement said..
“The City reiterates its full support and cooperation with the Madlanga Commission.
“All public safety operations and EMPD services remain fully functional, with interim leadership arrangements in place to ensure stability and continuity.
“To protect the integrity of ongoing disciplinary and investigative processes, the City will not be issuing further public comment at this stage.”
Meanwhile, ActionSA announced that it welcomes the suspension of Mkhwanazi following evidence emanating from the Madlanga Commission, which continues to expose and validate the party’s long-standing fight against rampant corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni.
ActionSA said it was the first to raise serious questions about the abandoned investigation into the “Blue Lights” saga, “yet no response was ever received from the Executive Mayor, Speaker, or MMC for Community Safety”.
The party added: “We subsequently opened a criminal case, but no arrests were made.
“Today, every warning we issued is being vindicated as the Madlanga Commission hears daily evidence confirming our concerns.
“We therefore support the suspension of the Deputy Chief of Police and welcome the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
“We call for a swift and fair process, as the city cannot continue paying suspended officials indefinitely.”
