Ekurhuleni officials accused of covering up misconduct

FRESH ALLEGATIONS

- THABO MAKWAKWA [e-mail]

THE City of Ekurhuleni faces fresh allegations of institutional cover-up following claims that senior municipal officials refused to take disciplinary action against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Acting Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi is accused of facilitating the illegal transfer of city-owned vehicles equipped with blue lights to private businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala who is under arrest and facing a slew of charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and fraud.

Xolani Nciza, the Former Head of Employee Relations at the Ekurhuleni municipality and the official who oversaw the internal investigation into the matter, spoke to eNCA on Tuesday about how efforts to hold Mkhwanazi accountable were systematically undermined.

“In February 2023, we initiated an internal investigation following media reports concerning blue light irregularities. The inquiry revealed clear malfeasance linked to an alleged donation from CAT VIP Services, Matlala’s security company ~ that never actually took place,” Nciza explained.