By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System heard the testimony from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) head Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye.
In his testimony on Thursday, Mapiyeye has shed light on agreements between the EMPD and companies owned by criminally-accused businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
He told the commission that he did not sign the memorandum of understanding between the EMPD and CAT VIP Protection (Pty) Ltd, a security company owned by Matlala.
Mapiyeye, who faces an internal probe for sexual misconduct, told the commission that EMPD’s deputy chief of police Julius Mkhwanazi acted independently in entering into the agreements, effectively bypassing the EMPD’s chain of command.
Mkhwanazi was placed on special leave over a month ago following the revelations.
Mapiyeye said, the agreements were unauthorised, irregular, and unlawful, and that his suspension followed retaliation for challenging these practices.
He also told the evidence leader that in February 2023 the EMPD received a media inquiry regarding allegations that the EMPD installed state blue lights in Matlala’s private vehicles.
He said Mkhwanazi denied installing state blue lights in Matlala’s private vehicles.
Matlala’s name has surfaced repeatedly, with testimony from figures like a “Witness C” detailing how he was tipped off about raids and maintained close ties with high-ranking officials.
Police raids on Matlala’s properties have yielded evidence of these connections, including documents and communications that suggest collusion.
According to Mapiyeye, Mkhwanazi also “brazenly disregarded my authority” and “ran the department as he pleased” with the backing of then–city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi.
Between May and July 2024, Mkhwanazi made 55 senior appointments and promotions without consulting or informing his superiors.
“Brigadier Mkhwanazi, with the support of the city manager, has over the years brazenly disregarded my authority as Chief of Police,” Mapiyeye told the commission. “He continued, with her blessing, to make appointments even after I raised concerns.”
The posts, ranging from directors and deputy directors to chief superintendents and inspectors, were filled by individuals who often failed to meet advertised requirements, with several positions not even publicly advertised.
When Mapiyeye returned to the office, he found that key personnel changes had already been made.
The chief further accused Mashazi of usurping his powers and colluding with Mkhwanazi and senior human resources officials to control EMPD appointments.
Mapiyeye has also reiterated his call for metro police departments like EMPD to be granted full investigative powers. He argued that current limitations hinder their ability to probe crimes effectively, especially those involving internal corruption or organised syndicates.
He believes this would allow metro police to handle cases independently, reducing reliance on national structures and speeding up responses to local threats. This proposal comes amid debates on decentralising police functions to better address urban crime hotspots.