The Democratic Alliance has called on the Ekurhuleni Metro to fast-track the disciplinary hearing of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, as he appears in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for a bail application.
DA members picketed outside the court ahead of bail proceedings involving Mkhwanazi and his four co-accused, who are facing charges linked to the 2022 murder of suspected criminal Emmanuel Mbense.
Mkhwanazi and his four co-accused face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice in connection with Mbense’s death.
Mkhwanazi was arrested on 5 August alongside former EMPD officer Keisha Leigh Stols, EMPD officer Adrian MacKenzie, former SAPS sergeant Bhekokwakhe Sibande and civilian Cobus Janse van Rensburg, and is facing allegations relating to the killing, including claims involving the torture and disposal of Mbense’s body and an alleged cover-up.
The latest arrest is the fourth time Mkhwanazi has been taken into custody this year.
In April, he was arrested on charges of fraud, corruption and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. The case involved an alleged scheme in which someone was allegedly paid to impersonate a municipal manager in court over a speeding matter. An illegal firearm was also reportedly found during his arrest.
Mkhwanazi was arrested again around 8 July, in connection with allegations of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice linked to the blue lights scandal involving vehicles associated with alleged criminal figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The allegations in that matter include claims that Mkhwanazi provided protection from disciplinary action.
On 17 July, Mkhwanazi was arrested over allegations relating to a staged police operation and the theft of precious stones worth about R14.9 million from a property in Killarney in 2023.
The Democratic Alliance said Mkhwanazi’s repeated arrests should strengthen calls for the metro to urgently conclude his disciplinary process.
Speaking outside the Brakpan court, DA Mayoral Candidate for Ekurhuleni Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the arrests highlighted what the party described as deep-rooted problems within the metro police.
Rasilingwane said written replies to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature had revealed that EMPD officers had faced 88 cases of corruption and bribery over the past five years.
However, she said only 16 officials had been suspended, while just eight cases had resulted in dismissals.
According to the DA, the figures raised serious questions about the disciplinary measures being taken against officers accused of corruption and bribery.
“The rot in the Ekurhuleni Metro Police starts right at the top,” Rasilingwane said.
She accused the metro of failing to deal decisively with alleged criminality among its officers and said residents were being left vulnerable while some officers allegedly solicited bribes instead of enforcing the law.
Rasilingwane also referred to evidence heard at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, saying it continued to raise concerns about the conduct of EMPD officers and the department’s ability to fulfil its mandate.
The commission has heard testimony and allegations concerning policing, corruption and alleged interference in law enforcement matters.
The DA said it would submit further questions to Gauteng MEC for COGTA Jacob Mamabolo to establish how much had been spent on the salaries of suspended EMPD officials.
Rasilingwane said the party wanted continuous vetting of EMPD officers to ensure that those responsible for enforcing municipal bylaws and protecting residents were fit to serve.
“We are tough on corruption and crime, and we will rid the Metro of corruption if we are elected into government,” she said.
The DA has also called for political and administrative changes in Ekurhuleni, arguing that stronger action is needed to restore public confidence in the metro police.
Rasilingwane said the party had a plan to introduce continuous vetting of EMPD officers and strengthen accountability within the department.
The call comes as Mkhwanazi faces a series of serious criminal allegations while also remaining suspended from his position within the metro police.
His latest case centres on the death of Mbense in 2022. Mkhwanazi and his co-accused are alleged to have been involved in the circumstances surrounding the killing and subsequent attempts to defeat the ends of justice.
The prosecution is expected to present its case during the bail proceedings as the court considers whether Mkhwanazi and his co-accused should remain in custody pending further developments in the matter.
The allegations against Mkhwanazi and his co accused have not been tested in court. They remain innocent until proven guilty.
The DA said it would continue to press the Ekurhuleni Metro for greater accountability and faster disciplinary action against officials accused of criminal conduct.
For the party, the disciplinary process against Mkhwanazi and the handling of the 88 corruption and bribery cases are part of a wider test of whether Ekurhuleni is serious about addressing alleged corruption within its law enforcement structures.
