The City of Ekurhuleni suspended its Deputy Chief of Police,Julius Mkhwanazi,who is deeply involved in a web of corruption which some exposed on Madlanga Commission.
The City of Ekurhuleni mentioned that the suspension of Mkhwanazi happened because of the recommendations of an internal audit which was launched to investigate his misconduct.
"This follows the recommendations of an internal audit investigation into allegations of misconduct. The suspension is an administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the disciplinary process and should not be construed as a finding of guilt. Formal disciplinary proceedings will now follow, in line with applicable labour laws and municipal regulations.
This action comes as the City leadership closely monitors the serious allegations emerging from the ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Criminality,Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (Madlanga Commission)," said the City of Ekurhuleni in a statement.
The City's manager made it clear that as the City of Ekurhuleni will not tolerate any wrongdoing and want to ensure that they restore public trust.
Kagiso Lerutla,City Manager said: “The testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is both shocking and deeply concerning. It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate. We are unequivocally committed to clean governance, accountability, and restoring public trust in our Municipality.”
“In line with municipal legislation and our clean governance mandate,” the City Manager continued, “we are launching an immediate and independent internal investigation into new allegations of wrongdoing within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department(EMPD). We will act decisively on its findings, without fear or favour.”
The City of Ekurhuleni stated that Mkhwanazi was suspended using the findings of an investigation which was completed long time ago, and also maintained that his suspension will not affect the operations of the EMPD.
"The City emphasises that this broader internal investigation is separate from the completed audit that led to Mr. Mkhwanazi's suspension. Its scope will be expanded as necessary to include any further evidence or allegations that may arise from the Commission's proceedings. The City reiterates its full support and cooperation with the Madlanga Commission.
All public safety operations and EMPD services remain fully functional, with interim leadership arrangements in place to ensure stability and continuity. To protect the integrity of ongoing disciplinary and investigative processes, the City will not be issuing further public comment at this stage," concluded City of Ekurhuleni in a statement.