DA questions the appointment of top cop
DA has expressed its concern over newly appointed top cop who had a run in with the law.
The DA expressed its concern about the recent appointment of the deputy chief of police, Julius Mkhwanazi.
According to DA spokesperson for community safety, Clr Jaco Terblanche, the DA obtained documents that reveal that the newly appointed deputy chief of police was recommended for disciplinary action for allegedly fraudulently registering vehicles owned by the City of Ekurhuleni to a private security company.
“The city appointed an external company to investigate this matter at a cost of R600 000, and the investigation is yet to be finalised.
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“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) also made a recommendation of disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi following the allegations of fraud,” said Terblanche.
Terblanche stated that it is inconceivable that the city 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 ripeness of cadre deployment in the metro and is a slap in the face of law-abiding residents of Ekurhuleni,” he said.
Terblanche stated that while Mkhwanazi was suspended with full pay for three months, whistle-blowers approached the party and revealed that he has now been appointed as the deputy chief of police with a salary of over R1.3m.
“Some of the core requirements for the position include excellent knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation that guides policing services, the ability to display and build on high standards of ethical and moral conduct and financial management skills.
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“Mkhwanazi cannot be said to comply with these core requirements.”
Terblanche said he will be writing to the MMC of Community Safety, the mayor of Ekurhuleni and the city manager to reject the appointment of Mkhwanazi.
He has demanded that a full investigation be conducted as to whether the city did investigate Mkhwanazi as per IPID recommendations and what the findings were.
“Community safety is important given the high crime rate in the city, the EMPD can therefore not be headed by criminals.”
The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on February 9, requesting comment on February 12.
By the time of going to print, no comment was received.
