In a shocking revelation before the Madlanga Commission, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has disclosed that private vehicles belonging to Vusi “Cat” Matlala were registered under the Ekurhuleni Metro and fitted with blue lights, making them appear as official government vehicles.
The move, according to Mkhwanazi, was done illegally and at the expense of the municipality. He named Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi—no relation to him—as the person allegedly responsible for fitting the lights. Julius Mkhwanazi is a controversial figure who previously faced accusations of sexual harassment in the workplace, raising further questions about the decision-making behind the blue-light installations.
The revelations also exposed efforts to silence internal whistleblowers. An Ekurhuleni employee who investigated the matter was reportedly suspended, allegedly to prevent the findings from coming to light. This has sparked serious concern over transparency and accountability within the municipality, with critics questioning how private vehicles could be manipulated to carry the privileges of official cars.
Matlala, a figure already under scrutiny, now faces renewed attention following these disclosures. The commission continues to probe the matter, as public outrage grows over the misuse of municipal resources and the apparent protection of individuals involved in questionable activities.
As the Madlanga Commission hearings unfold, questions linger about who authorized the registration of private vehicles under the metro, who approved the illegal blue-light fittings, and why internal investigations were blocked. The case is fast becoming one of the most controversial municipal scandals in recent memory, with many awaiting decisive action against those implicated.