Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been fired by the City of Ekurhuleni, ending months of disciplinary proceedings while he faced several criminal cases.

Mkhwanazi had been on suspension and receiving his full salary for about 10 months before the municipality terminated his employment.

His dismissal comes as he remains in custody following the rejection of his bail application in the murder case involving Brakpan businessman Emmanuel Mbense.

Mkhwanazi and five co-accused were denied bail by the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, September 15. They face charges including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice.

Mkhwanazi’s legal representative has since indicated that a notice to appeal the bail refusal has been lodged.

The murder case relates to the death of Mbense in April 2022. The prosecution alleges that Mbense was tortured before suffering injuries that resulted in his death.

Mkhwanazi’s legal battles extend beyond the Mbense matter.

On Friday, he and three co-accused returned to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged unauthorised police raid in Killarney in 2023.

The case was postponed to October 15 after the defence was given the police dockets and required more time to study the material and consult with their clients.

Mkhwanazi is accused alongside Kgomotso Makhubu, also known as Witness K, Adrian Norman Mackenzie and Keisha-Leigh Stols.

The state alleges that the group was involved in a bogus police raid in Killarney during which precious stones worth about R14.9 million were allegedly stolen.

Mkhwanazi has previously denied the allegations.

The Killarney case has also featured prominently in evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where allegations about Mkhwanazi’s alleged involvement in the theft of the precious stones were raised.

The allegations against Mkhwanazi have been accompanied by a series of other criminal and disciplinary matters.

He has also been charged in a separate case involving allegations that vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala were improperly fitted with blue lights and treated as municipal vehicles.

According to the state, the vehicles were allegedly registered under the City of Ekurhuleni and fitted with blue lights without the required authorisation. Mkhwanazi faces corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice charges in that matter.

The disciplinary process against Mkhwanazi had been under way for months. In July, the City said it expected the process to conclude within the following few months. At the time, the disciplinary proceedings included allegations relating to the authorisation of blue lights for vehicles linked to Matlala.

Mkhwanazi was initially suspended by the City with effect from November 11, 2025, following an internal audit investigation into allegations of misconduct.

His suspension became a growing source of controversy as his criminal cases multiplied, while he continued receiving his salary.

The latest dismissal now brings his municipal career to an end as he fights the criminal charges against him.

Mkhwanazi has maintained his innocence in the various matters and previously insisted that he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

His dismissal does not determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings, which remain before the courts.

The Killarney case will return to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on October 15, while the Mbense murder case remains before the Brakpan court.

More information is expected as the story develops.