City of Ekurhuleni allegedly appoints corrupt deputy chief of police

The DA raised concerns about the recent appointment of Julius Mkhwanazi as the deputy chief of the police of EMPD.

DA spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety Clr Jaco Terblanche said according to documents acquired by the DA, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommended disciplinary action against the recently appointed deputy chief of police because he allegedly deceitfully registered City of Ekurhuleni (COE) vehicles to a private security firm.

Terblanche noted the study into this situation revealed the city commissioned Mkhwanazi at an expense of R600 000. It has not yet been concluded.

“It is therefore inconceivable that the ANC/EFF coalition would promote Mkhwanazi to the second most powerful position in the EMPD following these allegations instead of dismissing him. It is a clear indicator of the rifeness of cadre deployment in the city and is a slap in the face of law-abiding residents of Ekurhuleni,” Terblanche expressed.

The Alberton Record spoke with the city’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, about these allegations.

Investigation confirmed

Dlamini said the CoE advertised the vacant position of deputy chief of police and was following the city’s recruitment policy. Mkhwanazi was a candidate who made the shortlist and went through an interview process.

The panel, which included the police chief, Isaac Mapiyeye, selected him as the successful candidate and recommended his appointment.

Dlamini confirmed the investigations against Mkhwanazi, saying the CoE appointed an external company to conduct the investigations, based on numerous inconsistencies in the IPID investigation report during an internal process. This necessitated that to proceed to any recommended action, they needed to ensure that everything was above board.

Mkhwanazi is currently the newly appointed deputy chief of police and serving in the role’s duties. He is receiving a market-related salary aligned with his position.

“We have approached an attorney to carry out the DC process, an external forensic process. Despite several requests for copies of the file, it has not been forthcoming. This external forensic report will guide us on the merits of the findings and the risk of action the city will embark on based on unsubstantiated allegations against Mkhwanazi,” Dlamini said.

During the communication between the Alberton Record and Dlamini, he confirmed that Mkhwanazi was suspended with full pay.

Dlamini said the city expects to receive the report by the end of the month, at which point the next course of action will be decided.

The DA stated that among the requirements for the position was the capacity to demonstrate and uphold the highest standards of moral and ethical behaviour, outstanding knowledge and comprehension of the laws that govern policing services, and proficiency in financial management.

“Mkhwanazi cannot be said to comply with these core requirements,” Terblanche claimed.

Besides opposing Mkhwanazi’s appointment, the DA vowed to write to the MMC of Community Safety, the mayor of Ekurhuleni, the MEC of COGTA and the city manager to request a thorough investigation into whether the city considered Mkhwanazi in accordance with the IPID recommendations.

“Regarding the DA’s issue of pencilling letters on the matter of Mkhwanazi to the executive mayor, MEC for COGTA in Gauteng and the MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni, the city will await the process to unfold, and will fully co-operate with any of these offices as-and-when required to do so,” Dlamini said.