EMPD's Mkhwanazi says he did not 'install blue lights' on vehicles linked to Cat Matlala

SUSPENDED Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied any wrongdoing following allegations that he facilitated donations of vehicles to the municipality from companies linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

Mkhwanazi has been accused of facilitating the registration of those private vehicles under the municipality's name and having them fitted with blue lights.

He also allegedly entered into two memoranda of understanding for the city with Medicare 24 and CAT VIP Security, companies tied to Matlala, without the consent of the council and city manager.

Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday that the city’s senior management team, which included suspended chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye and heads of departments, was aware of the donations Matlala intended to make to the municipality. He testified that his relationship with Matlala began in 2022, when he was introduced to Mike van Wyk, a Medicare24 director, by EMPD community liaison unit members.

He stated that Matlala was also a director at the company, and this introduction led to their association. Mkhwanazi stated that Van Wyk approached him with a proposal to assist EMPD members injured on duty, particularly those without medical aid, as part of a strategic partnership.

Van Wyk also made a presentation to the city senior management team and subsequently briefed Mkhwanazi on the meeting's outcome.

Mkhwanazi said a proposal was made to formalise the presentation, leading to a draft memorandum of understanding between Medicare24 and Ekurhuleni, outlining the terms of their partnership.