Ekurhuleni launches urgent investigations into alleged EMPD misconduct
Xhakaza has launched urgent internal investigations into wide-ranging allegations of misconduct within the city’s law-enforcement structures, including irregular promotions and unvetted officers.
The mayor of Ekurhuleni convened an urgent special Mayoral Committee meeting to table an internal investigation report containing troubling allegations of misconduct involving two senior managers on November 17.
The allegations align with concerns previously raised before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The following day, November 18, the mayor requested the speaker to convene an extraordinary council meeting to brief councillors on the status of ongoing processes.
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This included revisiting the city’s 2023 decision not to institute disciplinary proceedings related to alleged misconduct by Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, which had been outlined in an internal investigation.
Given the seriousness of the emerging allegations, both internally and through testimony at the Madlanga Commission, the mayor instructed the city manager to launch a broader, comprehensive internal investigation into alleged misconduct and administrative failures in the city’s law-enforcement structures.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
The mayor further directed that a:
• preliminary report within 21 days is submitted on the alleged 275 unvetted officers, including those with alleged prior convictions,
• review is conducted into 55 allegedly irregular promotions granted to police officers in recent years, with a report due within seven days.
The mayor emphasised that where promotion decisions lacked justification or appeared irregular or politically influenced, corrective action would be taken.
“I have requested a full report on alleged irregular VIP protection deployments, including the alleged misuse of blue lights and the placement of officers facing criminal charges within VIP units. These matters must be fully understood to ensure accountability,” said Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
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To reinforce integrity within the department, Mkhwanazi was suspended.
Other officials implicated in the alleged irregularities are undergoing the appropriate disciplinary processes.
Xhakaza said these steps are necessary to preserve the integrity of the wider investigation and demonstrate that accountability applies to all.
The mayor is assembling a specialist team to monitor and analyse submissions made before the Madlanga Commission.
Many of the alleged administrative irregularities surfaced through the commission may not be reflected in routine internal reporting, making targeted oversight essential.
To strengthen governance and security oversight, the mayor will appoint a security advisor and establish a commissioner of integrity.
These positions will focus on alleged governance breaches, ethical concerns and security-related risks.
He has also requested an urgent meeting with the executive director of the Independent Police Investigati
ve Directorate to secure updates on all matters involving city law-enforcement officers and ensure strong co-operation with the national oversight body.
The mayor said the gravity of the alleged failures underscores the necessity of the city’s Renewal Agenda.
“Our response is rooted in renewal, restoring ethical leadership, strengthening controls, professionalising law enforcement, and rebuilding public confidence in the city’s ability to govern transparently and fairly.
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“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to renewal as a foundation for clean governance. We are confronting alleged maladministration decisively, tightening oversight and promoting accountability at every level,” Xhakaza said.
Through strengthened integrity structures, decisive action and transparent co-operation with oversight bodies, the CoE says it is laying the foundation for a safer, more reliable and more resilient municipality, and reaffirmed that it remains committed to supporting the Madlanga Commission and will not interfere with its work or independent processes.
