The most handcuffed man in SA? The cases piling up against Julius Mkhwanazi

Suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested four times in 109 days, facing allegations ranging from fraud and corruption to robbery and murder as political pressure mounts on Ekurhuleni to dismiss him. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chiefBrigadier Julius Mkhwanazihas been arrested four times this year in separate criminal investigations, making him one of the country’s most embattled law enforcement officials. He is facing mounting legal troubles that include multiple criminal charges and an ongoing investigation by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Mkhwanazi joined the EMPD in 2003 and rose through the ranks to become deputy chief. He was suspended with effect from November 11, 2025, by the City of Ekurhuleni following recommendations from an internal audit investigation into allegations of misconduct. The city said the decision was taken as it monitored serious allegations emerging from the commission. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi is facing mounting legal troubles after he was arrested four times this year in separate criminal investigations.