Suspended EMPD acting chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has admitted to a close personal relationship with alleged cartel-linked businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, but firmly denied fitting blue lights to Matlala’s vehicles.

Mkhwanazi made the disclosures on Thursday during his testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged corruption and political interference within the EMPD.

His appearance comes amid mounting scrutiny over his conduct, following previous testimony at the Madlanga Commission and a prior suspension linked to the same allegations.

Under questioning, Mkhwanazi confirmed that Matlala was not just a business associate but someone he regarded as a “brother”.

However, he insisted the relationship never crossed into criminality or abuse of office.“I was suspended on February 20, 2023,” Mkhwanazi told MPs.

“The letter said I stole blue lights and branded vehicles for Cat Security. My suspension was for three months. I stayed at home for three months.”

He was reinstated after the suspension lapsed, but the allegations have continued to dog his career and now form part of parliamentary oversight.

But, Mkhwanazi was formally suspended on November 11, 2025, by the city following an internal audit and revelations at the Madlanga Commission.

At the centre of the controversy are claims that Mkhwanazi facilitated the fitting of blue emergency lights, reserved for law enforcement, to vehicles linked to Matlala’s security company, CAT VIP.

Matlala has been repeatedly linked in media reports to underworld figures, though he has denied wrongdoing.

Mkhwanazi categorically denied fitting or authorising blue lights for Matlala’s fleet, repeating the same defence he advanced last year before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

That commission was tasked with investigating governance failures and alleged corruption within the EMPD.

“I never fitted blue lights for him,” Mkhwanazi maintained, saying the allegations were false and politically motivated.

He did, however, acknowledge that Matlala donated vehicles to the City of Ekurhuleni — a point that has raised further questions about procurement processes and undue influence.

According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala offered security services and vehicles to the city at no cost.

Asked why he engaged with Matlala’s company, Mkhwanazi said he was impressed by its apparent professionalism.

“It’s a well-organised, well-established security company,” he said.

“They have proper offices, a PA, a secretary, letterheads, registration numbers — everything checked out.”

He added that their meetings took place openly at offices in Pretoria, not in secret.

Despite his denials, MPs signalled that they would continue probing the nature of the relationship, including allegations that Matlala provided Mkhwanazi with money.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

Source link