Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is set to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 April, following his arrest on Saturday. He is charged with fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. The arrest comes after Mkhwanazi faced serious allegations of corruption during his testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee earlier this year.
Allegations Against Mkhwanazi
Mkhwanazi has been accused of deploying metro police officers to commit crimes, including the theft of R14.9-million in precious stones belonging to private property owner Peter Prinsloo. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is currently investigating the matter.
The IPID has recovered precious stones worth R40,000 from one of the officer’s vehicles, but the majority of the stones are still missing. Mkhwanazi has denied any wrongdoing, but ActionSA has stepped up its demands for his immediate dismissal from the City of Ekurhuleni.
Call for Dismissal
ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo said the city can no longer afford to retain officials facing such serious allegations, warning that continued employment would further damage public trust. “Mkhwanazi has brought both the EMPD and the City of Ekurhuleni into disrepute. He has forfeited all credibility and cannot remain in the city’s employ at taxpayers’ expense,” Khumalo said.
The following are some of the key allegations against Mkhwanazi:
- Corruption and fraud
- Defeating the ends of justice
- Deploying metro police officers to commit crimes
Mkhwanazi’s arrest is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the charges against him. The South African government has been under pressure to address corruption and crime in the country, and this case is being closely watched by the public and the media.
