I'm not protecting anyone, ex-city manager tells Madlanga inquiry

FORMER Ekurhuleni city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, has blamed a legal opinion for not taking action against suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department's acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

Mkhwanazi has been accused of entering into two memoranda of understanding for the city with Medicare 24 and CAT VIP Security, companies tied to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, accused of attempted murder of ex-girlfriend.

He had also allegedly facilitated the registration of vehicles belonging to CAT VIP Security under the name of the municipality and having them fitted with blue lights.

An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) report, had recommended that action be taken against Mkhwanazi.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry yesterday, Mashazi said the Ipid report investigating allegations against Mkhwanazi was forwarded directly to suspended police chief Isaac Mapiyeye, with instructions to start disciplinary proceedings while Mkhwanazi served as a director.

Mashazi told the commission that she acted by referring the report to head of Corporate Legal Services for Ekurhuleni Advocate Kemi Behari, who informed her the report was “insufficient”.