Revealing the Misuse of Power: The Ekurhuleni City Manager's Involvement in the EMPD Scandal

Dr Imogen Mashazi, former Ekurhuleni city manager, has been accused of obstructing disciplinary proceedings against suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who was promoted in 2023 despite being charged with gross dishonesty and misconduct.

Mkhwanazi faced charges of gross dishonesty over an unapproved agreement between CAT Security Protection Services and EMPD, registering vehicles in the municipality's name, allowing impersonation of police officers, and receiving a donation of R300,000 towards the training of cadets.

Xolani Nciza, former divisional head of employee relations, testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday that Mashazi went on the attack, telling him to lift Mkhwanazi's suspension and not extend it. 

Mkhwanazi was placed on a three-month suspension after being implicated in registering vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in the municipality's name.

He was suspended again on November 11, 2025, following damning testimony at the commission probing allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.

Nciza said Mashazi unexpectedly attacked him after Mkhwanazi's suspension was up for extension.

This was on the night of May 23, 2023, after he had seen a WhatsApp missed call from Mashazi and called her back.

“When I called back, she picked up the phone and she just came at me,” he said.

Mashazi allegedly brought up Mkhwanazi's suspension, accusing Nciza and suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye of having a personal vendetta against Mkhwanazi.

“You hate Julius. You must leave Julius alone. You are not going to extend his suspension,” Nciza was allegedly told by Mashazi.

He said he was told to write a letter reinstating Mkhwanazi, which he did - a decision he now admits was “wrong”.

Asked if he would characterise Mashazi’s behaviour as a simple abuse of authority and power, he said: “This was an abuse of power and authority, in the extreme.”

Mkhwanazi's reinstatement did not clear him of the allegations, and Nciza set up a disciplinary tribunal, appointing two law firms to handle the proceedings.

However, Nciza said Mkhwanazi was not served the charge sheet, reportedly saying he would not accept it.

“And the reason is that Mkhwanazi had instructions from Dr Mashazi, the city manager, as well as (Linda) Qasheka, the HOD for Human Resources, not to accept the charge sheet because that case is not going to fly,” he said.

He stated that the municipal system allowed him to lodge a grievance with the executive mayor, but he chose not to, citing that complaints to politicians often lead nowhere.

“You have a person who was supposed to be disciplined and potentially dismissed in June. In December, that person gets promoted. By whom? By the very same people who stopped the discipline,” Nciza said.

He implicated Mkhwanazi in the blue-light convoy scandal, alleging he facilitated vehicle registration through a fleet corporate proxy managed by Chris Steyn. 

They were registered under the municipality and fitted with blue lights, but lacked proper council approval to legitimise their existence, according to Nciza.

The vehicles, which include a BMW X5, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a BMW 3-Series, and a VW Golf, were purportedly donated to EMPD by CAT Security Protection Services.

Nciza disputed the content of a letter written by Mkhwanazi, stating that there was an existing memorandum of understanding between CAT Security Protection Services and EMPD.

He testified that the donation of vehicles was flawed as there was no legal agreement with the municipality, and it appeared to be a working relationship between Mkhwanazi and the donor.

“It is worrisome that we would have a private (security) company saying that it has the intention of enhancing the state’s effort in crime-fighting and to assist in vehicle protection,” he said.

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