Suspended Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Arrested in Major Corruption Investigation

• Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested on fraud and corruption charges
• The arrest was carried out at Mkhwanazi's home on Saturday morning, 18 April 2026
• Police said that additional suspects are being sought, with appearances scheduled for the Boksburg Magistrate's Court

Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.

GAUTENG, JOHANNESBURG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng have confirmed the arrest of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi on charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Julius Mkhwanazi arrested on various charges

The arrest was carried out at Mkhwanazi's home on Saturday morning, 18 April 2026, by the South African Police Service Madlanga Commission Task Team. Police said the unit is continuing with efforts to trace and apprehend other suspects who are also linked to the case. According to authorities, the arrests form part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.

Read also

South African Police Service to investigate allegations of bribery against General Fannie Masemola

Police said no further comment would be made on the merits of the case at this stage. All suspects are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, 20 April 2026. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that investigations are continuing and that additional suspects linked to the matter are still being sought.

Mkhwanazi denied several of the claims

Mkhwanazi was suspended in November 2025 after internal audits and testimony before a commission linked him to alleged irregularities, including reported ties to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his company, CAT VIP Protection. The allegations against him include entering into fraudulent memoranda of understanding, approving irregular promotions, facilitating unauthorised operations and using his position for personal or undue benefit.

During his appearances before the commission this week, Mkhwanazi denied several of the claims, including receiving certain communications and being involved in specific incidents, despite evidence such as WhatsApp records being presented. His testimony also addressed EMPD operations conducted outside its jurisdiction and his relationships with key figures within the metro police.

Read also

Ekurhuleni city manager arrested, rejects Madlanga Commission claims

Other stories about the Madlanga Commission

Online users were in stitches as the suspended EMPD deputy chief answered questions at the Madlanga Commission. Julius Mkhwanazi faced allegations of corruption and was suspended by the City of Ekurhuleni. South Africans noticed that Julius Mkhwanazi's unfortunate moment during the grilling at the Madlanga Commission went beyond South African borders.

South African radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo has provided commentary on Julius Mkhwanazi's latest viral mishap. The suspended member of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Julius Mkhwanazi, appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. When pressed for answers, he nervously wiped his sweat with a tissue, which stuck on his forehead for a good minute before the other parties informed him.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi went viral after he was filmed dancing while ensuring that his cider was at the temperature he wanted. The old clip was reshared on X by ZANewsFlash on 15 April 2026, where it drew massive engagement from viewers who were happy to see a fun side to him.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News