WATCH | IPID director testifies on report on Julius Mkhwanazi | Madlanga Commission

Madlanga Commission resumes this morning as IPID director Thuso Keefelakae takes the stand to testify on a report that recommended the suspension of EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi, a report the city allegedly ignored.

Over the coming days, the commission will hear from senior IPID officials about the Ekurhuleni saga, which has raised troubling questions about accountability at the highest levels of metro policing.

In late 2023, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) issued a scathing report following its probe into Mkhwanazi.

It recommended that the City of Ekurhuleni institute disciplinary proceedings, citing breaches of the EMPD disciplinary procedure collective agreement.

More seriously, IPID said it had found a “strong case” for criminal prosecution, including fraud and corruption. The case docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.

The findings were irregular contracts allegedly entered into with CAT VIP Security and Medicare24 — companies linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

IPID concluded Mkhwanazi acted unlawfully and with corrupt intent.

Yet the city took no action.

On Tuesday, suspended head of legal services Adv. Kemi Behari told the commission the IPID report was “not sufficient” to charge Mkhwanazi and admitted he was responsible for the failure to act.

The admission comes amid allegations that Behari and other officials shielded the acting chief.

Mkhwanazi has not been convicted of any crime but was suspended on allegations.

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