EMPD head Julius Mkhwanazi has taken special leave following corruption allegations.
Acting head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Julius Mkhwanazi has had his special leave application approved.
Mkhwanazi took the option to step away from his position following claims he had taken questionable actions that benefitted controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed Mkhwanazi’s status on Thursday.
“Mr Mkhwanazi applied for special leave and it has been approved,” Mbengashe told The Citizen.
Corruption allegations
Revelations were made last week about the police chief’s close relationship with Matlala who is currently in police custody awaiting trial on multiple charges.
Separate reports linked Mkhwanazi to Matlala via a dubious blue light authorisation and alleged attempts to cover up the incident.
Mkhwanazi denied any wrong doing and has vowed to fight the allegations through the relevant channels.
“These allegations are unfounded and have not been investigated,” he told ENCA on Thursday morning.
The DA on Tuesday said it had brought an urgent motion to suspend Mkhwanazi, as the department required “ethical and honest leadership”.
Madlanga Commission
Mkhwanazi’s name was mentioned during the Madlanga Commission concerning a 2023 incident where Matlala was allegedly given blue lights for his personal vehicles.
Matlala was last week denied bail and he will return to court on 7 October on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and money laundering.
The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court ruled that Matlala had significant resources, and given the nature of the charges, this made him a flight risk and a possible danger to society.
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