By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has concluded his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane.
Mkhwanazi has been accused of drafting an unapproved memorandum of understanding between Medicare 24, CAT Security Protection Services, owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and EMPD and registering vehicles in the municipality’s name.
WhatsApp chats between Mkhwanazi and Medicare 24 CEO Mike Van Wyk revealed that Mkhwanazi rubber-stamped the latter’s proposal to establish an ongoing relationship with the EMPD through a memorandum of understanding.
The proposed letter read: “This letter serves to confirm that the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) under the command of acting deputy municipal police commissioner Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi of specialised services has an endless working relationship with and memorandum of understanding with Medicare24 PTY (Ltd) and CAT Security Protection Services to assist EMPD officers in any VIP protection, security and medical emergency services, including the Covid-19 pandemic in and out of the City of Ekhurhuleni.”
The letter also listed the number of vehicles that Medicare24 PTY (Ltd) pledged to donate to the City of Ekurhuleni.
The Commission heard that Mkhwanazi replicated the suggested wording, almost verbatim, in a letter irregularly validated the relationship on an indefinite basis.
The message was reportedly sent three months after Mkhwanazi had already issued an initial letter confirming the relationship in October 2021.
Mkhwanazi told the commission he does not recall amending the letter, despite it bearing his signature.
“No, I don’t recall but out of what the commissioners and what you have read it shows that I didn’t even write it or it was not even in writing. I may have given one somebody an instruction to do this but maybe it may. It’s not according to what Mike is suggesting,” said Mkhwanazi.
The commission also heard another voice note in which van Wyk allegedly asked whether his new vehicle could be fitted with blue-lights and an EMPD logo.
Mkhwanazi said he could not recall responding but maintained that blue-lights are not intended for private entities.
He added that, at the time, EMPD was engaging stakeholders on a plan to introduce volunteer peace officers, and that van Wyk had expressed interest.
Text messages presented to the commission show Mkhwanazi assuring van Wyk that official peace officer cards would soon be issued by the city’s then training academy.
When questioned about the legal authority to appoint peace officers, Mkhwanazi said the department’s concept did not extend to granting full powers under the Criminal Procedure Act.
Commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, criticised Mkhwanazi’s responses as evasive.
Mkhwanazi, however, maintains that he has been truthful and is not attempting to avoid accountability.
Meanwhile the witness on the stand tomorrow (Friday) is the suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the City of Tshwane, Gareth Mnisi. The Commission’s evidence leader is Adv Mathew Chaskalson SC, assisted by Adv Mpilo Sikhakhane.