Acting IPID Head Tells Madlanga Commission That Evidence Against Julius Mkhwanazi Is Overwhelming

• Thuso Keefelakae discussed the evidence against suspended Ekhurhuleni Deputy Police Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
• Mkhwanazi faces allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and irregular promotions within the department
• Keefelakae, the acting Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head, explained why action wasn't against Mkhwanazi

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi could soon find himself in further hot water, according to Thuso Keefelakae.

Keefelakae, the acting Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head, has promised that prosecuting authorities are close to making a decision on the fraud and corruption charges against Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi, the suspended Ekhurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, is at the centre of a scandal involving Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Mkhwanazi is accused of facilitating blue lights for Matlala's Cat VIP security company.

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The story came to light after News24's Jeff Wick detailed how Matlala, the controversial tenderpreneur, managed to secure blue lights for his vehicles through his relationship with Mkhwanazi. The suspended EMPD Deputy Chief denied the allegations, claiming that everything was done above board.

What did Keefelakae say about Mkhwanazi’s case?

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, Keefelakae said that the evidence against Mkhwanazi was ‘overwhelming.

Keefelakae was also asked about why the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had not decided on the case two years after IPID recommended that Mkhwanazi should be prosecuted. Apart from being suspended, Mkhwanazi has not been disciplined as yet.

Keefelakae explained that the delay was caused by Section 205 ‘dependencies’ but added that it was a good thing because of the quality of the case against Mkhwanazi.

"It was quite a good case in the sense that, much as it may appear that there was a delay, I am very much comforted by the quality that eventually came out of that investigation," he said.

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He added that it was a pity he could not disclose any further information about the case, as he was discussing it on a public platform.

What else you need to know about Mkhwanazi

• The City of Ekurhuleni suspended Mkhwanazi over the allegations made against him at the Madlanga Commission.
• Mkhwanazi’s R200,000 salary increase after his appointment was questioned before the Commission.
• Mkhwanazi claimed that his signature was forged in a letter to Cat Matlala, leaving South Africans amused.
• Mkhwanazi claimed that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was misled about Cat Matlala’s registered cars.
• Mkhwanazi's comments about his relationship with Matlala contradicted his previous claims that they had no ties.

Advocate Khemraj Behari denies shielding Mkhwanazi

Briefly News reported that Advocate Khemraj Behari responded to allegations that he received a bonus for protecting Commissioner Mkhwanazi.

Commissioner Mkhwanazi faces allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and irregular promotions within the department.

Social media users weighed in on Advocate Behari's testimony, sharing mixed reactions to his explanation.

Source: Briefly News