By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised concerns over the suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi postponement request.
Mkhwanazi had told the commission, a day before he was due to testify, that he needed to attend his mother’s funeral.
However, the commission said records obtained from Home Affairs indicate that Petunia Mkhwanazi, whom Mkhwanazi had previously named as his mother, was in fact only a decade older than him, raising questions about his account.
Mkhwanazi later clarified that Petunia was actually his stepmother, who raised him from a young age. He said his birth certificate lists Mariah and William Mkhwanazi as his parents, whom he claims are in fact his grandparents.
He urged the commission not to probe further into what he described as his family’s “politics”, saying the line of questioning was uncomfortable and reopened old wounds.
The commission has now instructed Mkhwanazi to submit an affidavit supporting his claims, after evidence leaders suggested he could be held in contempt.
Mkhwanazi also addressed allegations relating to recruitment processes within the EMPD, maintaining that he merely completed processes initiated by suspended police chief, Isaac Mapiyeye.
He testified that the appointments was already underway when he assumed the acting chief of police role, following Mapiyeye’s suspension.
Mkhwanazi rejected claims by former EMPD chief, Revo Spies, that he had overstepped his authority, accusing Spies of lying.
He told the commission that he was mandated to finalise long-outstanding recruitment processes, some dating back several years and that he followed proper procedures.
Mkhwanazi also denied any involvement in the alleged kidnapping of EMPD spokesperson, Kelebogile Thepa.
This follows Thepa’s testimony that she was attacked after raising concerns internally about Mkhwanazi’s alleged links to the blue-light escort saga.
Mkhwanazi dismissed her account, claiming her emotional testimony was not genuine.
Meanwhile, the commission confirmed that controversial North West businessman, Suleiman Carrim, will not appear on Thursday, 16 April 2026 after suffering a suspected heart attack.