Julius Mkhwanazi Blames Arrests on Plot to Damage His Professional Ambitions, South Africans React
- Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in the Germiston Magistrate's Court
- Mkhwanazi was served with a J50 warrant of arrest linked to the alleged fitting of blue lights to Vusimuzi Matlala's vehicles
- South Africans weighed in on Mkhwanazi's claims that he was innocent, despite being arrested on five occasions
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi believes that there’s a plot against him,
The suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief made the claim following his fifth arrest, maintaining he had done nothing wrong. Mkhwanazi appeared before the Germiston Magistrate's Court on Friday, 28 August 2026, alongside Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and Chris Steyn, the fleet manager at the EMPD.
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Mkhwanazi was served with a J50 warrant of arrest on Thursday, 27 August 2026, in connection with the alleged fitting of blue lights to vehicles belonging to Matlala. His lawyer confirmed the arrest came as no surprise, describing it as a direct consequence of testimony heard before the Madlanga Commission.
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It’s the fifth different time he’s been arrested, but he maintains his innocence.
Mkhwanazi accuses enemies of sabotaging his career
The suspended police chief told the court that the mounting cases against him form part of a deliberate scheme to interfere with his professional aspirations.
He stated that he intends to apply for the Ekurhuleni Chief of Police position, which is set to become available at the end of the year. He argued that the ongoing legal proceedings would compromise his prospects of securing the role.
Mkhwanazi has consistently maintained his innocence across all five cases he now faces. He remains behind bars as he faces bail applications in two separate matters.
Public reacts to fifth arrest
The latest arrest drew sharp responses on social media, with many users questioning how a suspended official continues to draw a salary funded by taxpayers.
Rita Botha wrote:
"He has a top score for the number of arrests for an 'innocent' man."
Mandisa P Mthembu asked:
"Why does Ekurhuleni Metro still pay him a salary on suspension with taxpayer money? He must be fired."
Louis Strydom questioned:
"Did he ever actually do some real work for his salary? I imagine he was too busy with something else."
Henry Munthewe commented:
"As usual, all these people deny, but at the end, ziyakhala."
Neo Mash remarked:
"Guys, stop it now. How many charges? Iyoo."
What did Mkhwanazi say about possibly being deported?
Briefly News also highlighted facts about Julius Mkhwanazi's recent testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he expressed concerns over being deported alongside illegal immigrants by 30 June 2026.
Despite the gravity of his situation and allegations surrounding him, social media reactions suggest that many believe he should focus on his legal troubles rather than potential deportation.
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Source: Briefly News
