Suspended Ekurhuleni HR head explains why Mkhwanazi’s suspension was lifted

Linda Gxasheka ( Ekurhuleni HR Manager ) testifies at Madlanga Commission Of Inquiry at Brigette Mabandla Judicial College on February 26, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu) Suspended Ekurhuleni head of HR, Linda Gxasheka, has explained the events leading to the lifting of the initial suspension of now-suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy commissioner, Julius Mkhwanazi. Gxasheka testified at the Madlanga commission on Thursday, following allegations that she protected Mkhwanazi from accountability for his alleged involvement in the blue light scandal.

The HR head is one of the people listed in the commission’s recommendations for action to be taken against them. According to the Presidency, thecommission found prima facie evidence of wrongdoingrelating to current and former employees of the municipality and EMPD. The Presidency said the matters referred relate to allegations of “criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions” by officials within Saps, the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD.

“At this point, I was the acting head of HR, and I didn’t know Julius Mkhwanazi, since he was middle management in terms of occupational levels, and I would not necessarily know all the employees.” “Xolani Nciza then requested a meeting to discuss the suspension of Julius Mkhwanazi. A few days later, the meeting was held in the boardroom of the city manager.