Madlanga Commission: Mkhwanazi’s testimony postponed due to mother’s death
The Madlanga Commission has postponed the appearance of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi due to a bereavement in his family.
Mkhwanazi was scheduled to resume his testimony on Monday, 23 March.
Advocate Mahlape Sello briefly addressed commissioners on Friday.
“We have considered these issues, and we are persuaded that it is only appropriate to give him sufficient space to attend to matters relating to the funeral as a very close member of the family. The commissioners would appreciate that following the funeral of someone so close, certain rituals must be performed, so that would not have made his appearance on [Monday] possible,” she said.
The top cop made headlines when the now deceased protected witness at the commission, known as Witness D, told the commission that he became a state witness after helping dispose of a body he said was that of a man killed during an off-the-books operation involving Ekurhuleni Metro police officers.
Witness D, who was later identified as Marius van der Walt, told commissioners that Mkhwanazi instructed the body of Emmanuel Mbhense to be dumped in a mineshaft or a dam.
Van der Walt said he gave a written statement to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and participated in a scene identification exercise in late 2022 or early 2023.
Mkhwanazi is also accused of aiding alleged crime kingpin and murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala to obtain authorization to use blue lights on vehicles linked to his private security company.
Mkhwanazi, who has since been placed on special leave, is expected to return to the commission on 14 April.
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