By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Suspended Ekurhuleni HR manager Linda Gxasheka has denied allegations that she was part of a “cabal” used to protect Deputy Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action.
Gxasheka was testifying at the Madlanga Commission on Friday.
One of the primary accusations against Gxasheka is that, in her capacity as HR Head, she failed to implement disciplinary measures against Mkhwanazi.
Gxasheka disputed the version of events, stating that shortly after the IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) report was released, she met with the Chief of Police and other senior officials to determine the appropriate course of action.
“She said that the report contained findings, including a recommendation to seek legal opinion on whether to proceed with disciplinary action against the EMPD deputy chief.”
“The only legal opinion I saw in this matter was (that) we are not going to discipline Mkhwanazi despite what Ipid has said. We are not going to discipline, for whatever reason,” she said.
The report had never reached the council and she had been the only official who had kept the council informed of developments, Gxasheka told the commission.
She said she had become aware of the so-called blue lights saga in February 2023 through social media, adding that she had not known who Mkhwanazi was and that senior officials within Ekurhuleni had repeatedly postponed the matter to shield him.
In May 2023, the Ekurhuleni accounting officer convened a meeting with EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, head of legal Kemi Behari and head of department Xola Nciza to enquire about progress in the disciplinary process. Gxasheka said she had recommended Mkhwanazi’s suspension which would assist in determining whether there was a prima facie case to prosecute.
Placed on precautionary suspension in December 2025, Gxasheka faces charges after an internal city council resolution. She is also implicated in the Madlanga commission’s interim report which recommended further investigation.
The commission adjourned earlier than usual on Thursday to allow Gxasheka and the legal team to review the late-submitted documents.