Suspended City of Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has revealed that he engaged with local business figures, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala and an associate, Van Wyk, to facilitate the donation of vehicles to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), citing an urgent need for additional transport resources.
Testifying at the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mkhwanazi said the EMPD was experiencing a shortage of operational vehicles, which hampered the department’s ability to effectively respond to crime and enforce municipal regulations. He explained that his interactions with Matlala and Van Wyk were aimed at addressing this gap by encouraging them to contribute vehicles to the department.
“The intention was to ensure that the EMPD had the necessary resources to perform its duties efficiently,” Mkhwanazi told the commission. He emphasized that the engagement was carried out in his official capacity, highlighting the department’s pressing need for logistical support.
Mkhwanazi’s testimony comes amid scrutiny over alleged irregularities involving the provision and use of vehicles within the EMPD. The deputy chief sought to clarify that his actions were motivated by operational necessity and not personal gain. He detailed the steps taken to approach Matlala and Van Wyk, asserting that their donations were intended to benefit the broader community by strengthening law enforcement capabilities.
The testimony also touched on the processes followed to formalize the donations. Mkhwanazi explained that proper records and documentation were intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the acceptance and deployment of the vehicles. He further stated that any oversight or misunderstanding surrounding the contributions was unintentional and arose from the urgency of the department’s operational requirements.
Legal and municipal experts have noted that while public officials are permitted to engage with private entities for community support initiatives, strict protocols must be followed to avoid perceptions of impropriety. The commission’s inquiry is expected to examine whether all procedural and ethical standards were observed in the vehicle donation process.
As proceedings continue, Mkhwanazi reiterated his commitment to supporting the EMPD’s mission and ensuring that the department is equipped to serve the residents of Ekurhuleni effectively. The commission is set to hear further testimony from other officials involved in municipal resource management in the coming days.
