By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System heard the testimony of suspended EMPD head Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye.
Mapiyeye told the commission about his attempts to discipline his deputy, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, which were repeatedly obstructed.
He accused Mkhwanazi of, among other things, illegally granting blue-light privileges to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, and manipulating tender and recruitment processes to benefit associates.
Mapiyeye said internal investigations had recommended that IPID probe Mkhwanazi for gross dishonesty, negligence, and bringing the EMPD into disrepute.
He told the commission that Mkhwanazi — who was briefly suspended in February last year — worked closely with EMPD HR Head Linda Gxasheka and Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi.
The IPID found that “based on the evidence collected, the state has a strong case against the suspect (Brigadier Mkhwanazi) as he acted unlawfully with full intent of corruption, as CAT VIP Security unduly benefited, as licence fees of their vehicle were paid for by the City of Ekurhuleni. The suspect misrepresented himself, and the EMPD presented a non-existent memorandum of understanding, which served as the basis for all fraudulent activities that occurred.”
The police watchdog then recommended that disciplinary action be taken against Mkhwanazi.
He added that he had received death threats for refusing to drop charges against Mkhwanazi and accused several officials within his department of misconduct and intimidation.
The embattled police chief, who has served the City of Ekurhuleni for over four decades, said the report on allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment against him was never submitted to council, and that he was never given an official suspension resolution.
He emphasised how Mkhwanazi was never officially appointed to head the embattled metro police department.
Mkhwanazi was made acting EMPD head after Mapiyeye was suspended in November on charges of sexual misconduct.
Mapiyeye explained that both Mkhwanazi and staff officer Evana du Plessis were shortlisted for the position and required to undergo a competency assessment, which he says never took place.
“The HOD of HR never reconvened the panel for the purpose stated above. I have never seen the competency assessment results of either candidate and do not know if either undertook such assessment. I can confirm that the interview panel thus never completed its task and neither did it recommend the appointment of any of the two candidates to the post,” he said.
Mapiyeye told the commission Mkhwanazi refused to undergo vetting. “He told me it is not in his performance contract.”
Mkhwanazi has since been placed on special leave pending disciplinary and criminal investigations.
Mapiyeye’s testimony has reignited concerns over the infiltration of criminal networks into municipal and law enforcement structures.