"I won't go to jail for something I did not do" - Julius Mkhwanazi

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday that he won’t go to jail for something he didn't do.

He added that he won’t take responsibility for fitting blue lights on vehicles linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala's companies.

This was during cross-examination when Mkhwanazi was pressed about his involvement in registering vehicles and installing blue lights, with commission counsel suggesting he “facilitated” the process.

Mkhwanazi sparked laughter at the commission when he equated "facilitation" with jail time.

He has constantly objected to the use of "facilitation" in reference to the role he played to source vehicles donations from Matlala.

"I can't agree to leave my kids and go to jail for something I didn't do. I didn't put blue lights. I want to be honest and impress you but not with lies," he said.

However, Commission Chair Justice Mbuyisile Madlanga swiftly intervened, reminding Mkhwanazi that nobody had mentioned jail.

"Nobody has said anything about jail, commissioner," Madlanga said.

Mkhwanazi replied: "This is a commission of inquiry. You will be making recommendations. I will be sitting somewhere and I will not see you with that. I will see you after ten or 50 years."

Co-commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC said: "To be fair to you, Commissioner, I don't think anyone is suggesting that you physically installed the blue lights."

He described Matlala to the commission as a “blood brother” to him, saying they had often met, lunched, and dined together.

Asked if he had ever received money from Matlala he said: “Sometimes he would give me money for petrol. Sometimes he would even borrow money from me…We were beginning to be that close, talking every day and meeting.” 

He said he would discuss many things with Matlala, but avoided talking about politics due to Matlala's aversion to the topic.

“In fact, I treated him as a brother and that’s why I was so shocked (when he faced challenges and he didn’t tell me),” he said, adding that Matlala would provide him with grocery money when he faced financial difficulties during his suspensions. 

Matlala assisted him with various payments, including R20,000 for a funeral and additional amounts of R20,000 and R30,000 paid through Matlala's companies. 

Evidence leader Advocate Sello Mehlape SC said: “I would argue before the commissioners that those payments were made in gratification for your efforts in facilitating the registration of vehicles to enable Mr Matlala to fit them with blue lights.”

Mkhwanazi insisted the payments were not "gratification", claiming Matlala wanted him to retire and start his own venture, and had even promised more substantial support.

On Tuesday, the commission heard that Mkhwanazi allegedly signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with companies’ companies Medicare24 and CAT VIP Security, allowing private vehicles to be registered as municipal vehicles and fitted with blue lights.

The commission was told that the municipality had no formal agreement with the companies, raising questions about Mkhwanazi's authority to establish these relationships. 

Mkhwanazi claimed that Mike van Wyk, a Medicare24 director, drafted the MOU between the company and the municipality. 

He testified that Van Wyk, who co-directed Medicare24 with Matlala, authored the draft MOU, which proposed a strategic partnership and assistance to EMPD members injured on duty.

Mkhwanazi also testified on Tuesday that CAT VIP Security wanted to upgrade their vehicles, and he discussed the EMPD's vehicle shortage with Matlala, implying a possible donation. 

Mkhwanazi approached his deputy chief of police Goodman Mzolo, who referred him to a fleet corporate proxy managed by Chris Steyn for the vehicles’ registration in the municipality’s name.. 

Steyn advised Mkhwanazi to obtain a letter of intention to donate cars from Matlala, who provided it.

The commission heard that the vehicles in question were registered in the municipality's name but were not handed over to the EMPD. The registration was cancelled due to disputes arising from social media uproar around the blue-lights installed on private vehicles.

Former Ekhurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi testified that it was irregular for a department to enter into a memorandum, stating Mkhwanazi exceeded his authority. 

Meanwhile, Mashazi faced accusations from Xolani Nciza, former divisional head of employee relations, of shielding Mkhwanazi, who was suspended over the blue-light saga. 

He was placed on suspension again on November 11, 2025, following damning testimony at the Madlanga Commission. 

Mkhwanazi was also questioned about the testimony of Witness D who claimed Mkhwanazi instructed him to dump a suspect's body, allegedly killed by EMPD officers, to cover up the murder. 

The witness alleged Mkhwanazi instructed him to dispose of the body in a mine shaft or dam, using his bakkie to avoid suspicion.

Mkhwanazi testified that he received a call from Jaco Hanekom, an informant, about a breakthrough in the Brakpan during a crime operation. 

He went to the scene believing it was about recovering stolen goods.

The commission heard that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) probed Mkhwanazi about the suspect's body found at the Brakpan scene, allegedly linked to his orders to dump it.

On Tuesday, Mkhwanazi said he told Ipid he did not know about the dumping of the body.

Mkhwanazi's testimony will continue next year on a date to be determined by the commission.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za