EMPD HR ‘hesitant' to act on Mkhwanazi despite misconduct warnings

The reluctance to act came despite serious allegations linking Mkhwanazi to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Nciza said he was informed in February 2023 about allegations that Mkhwanazi had fitted state blue lights in Matlala’s private vehicles, an act viewed as abuse of official resources.

"My understanding is that she was reluctant because of the risk associated with the suspension itself,” Nciza testified. 

“She did not express concern over the allegations, but rather over the potential security and reputational risks of acting against him.”

Nciza detailed how, following an internal assessment led by the municipality’s employee relations unit, a pre-suspension letter was issued to Mkhwanazi on 20 February 2023, citing gross dishonesty and possible corruption. 

The letter also warned that his continued presence could jeopardise investigations or lead to further misconduct.

Nciza explained that Gxasheka’s hesitation stemmed partly from safety concerns, as Mkhwanazi’s alleged ties to Matlala, a businessman already in the news for “wrong reasons”, made the matter “delicate.”

"It was not going to be a simple disciplinary process,” Nciza said. “It involved a character who was outside the institution but had significant influence.”

According to Nciza, Mkhwanazi was formally suspended on 24 February 2023 after failing to convince the municipality why he should remain in his position.

The commission also heard that, unlike other senior EMPD officials, Mkhwanazi was allowed to retain his tools of trade, including his firearm and computer, during the pre-suspension phase, a move Nciza said was standard procedure until a final decision was made.

Two EMPD members have since testified about Mkhwanazi’s alleged corruption and misconduct, including the use of police resources to benefit private individuals and companies linked to Matlala.

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