Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations that he facilitated installation of blue lights into private vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied any wrongdoing following allegations that he facilitated donations of vehicles to the municipality from companies linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Mkhwanazi has been accused of facilitating the registration of those private vehicles under the municipality’s name and having them fitted with blue lights.
He also allegedly entered into two memoranda of understanding for the city with Medicare 24 and CAT VIP Security, companies tied to Matlala without the consent of the council and city manager. On Wednesday, Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the city’s senior management team, which included suspended chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye and heads of departments, were aware of the donations Matlala intended to make to the municipality. He testified that his relationship with Matlala began in 2022, when he was introduced to Mike van Wyk, a Medicare24 director, by EMPD community liaison unit members. He stated that Matlala was also a director at the company, and this introduction led to their association.
