Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni metro police, has provided details on the origins of his relationship with controversial businessperson Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi appeared before parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday. The committee is investigating allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system.
This follows his testimony before the Madlanga commission of inquiry, where he described his bond with Matlala as a “brother-like” relationship. Mkhwanazi is under scrutiny amid allegations that he leveraged his official position to benefit Matlala’s business interests. Testifying in parliament on Thursday, Mkhwanazi explained that he first became aware of Matlala in 2021 through Mike van Wyk, a director at Medicare24 and a close business associate of Matlala.
Mkhwanazi noted that he had a pre-existing relationship with Van Wyk, as Medicare24 provided the EMPD with free health services. The connection deepened after EMPD officers encountered employees from one of Matlala’s private companies at a shooting range. “They mentioned the owner, but at that time, I didn’t know him,” Mkhwanazi said.
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“Later, when I visited the Medicare24 offices, I saw a picture of him on the wall alongside other directors. I confronted Van Wyk, who confirmed that Matlala owned a private VIP security company and was his business partner.” Mkhwanazi said his interest was piqued by the quality of Matlala’s security operations. “Once I met him, we developed a professional rapport similar to the colloquial interactions I maintain with others in the security sector,” he explained.
As they realised they shared common ground in the “broader community safety environment”, the relationship evolved. “While Matlala is a director at Medicare24, he also owns Cat VIP Security. Our communication initially focused on collaboration to safeguard communities and provincial personnel. Subsequently, we grew closer, and he became like a brother to me.” Mkhwanazi admitted to inviting Matlala to an EMPD plenary meeting to present his VIP protection services to the city.
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