Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Poilice Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has reportedly been arrested by the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Madlanga Task Team.
Police confirmed on Saturday that a 50-year-old senior municipal official has been arrested in Gauteng as part of an ongoing corruption probe linked to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
The arrest was carried out by the SAPS Madlanga Task Team at the suspect’s home earlier on Saturday morning. The official is facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating and/or obstructing the ends of justice.
“The SAPS' Madlanga Task Team has arrested a 50-year-old senior municipal official for fraud, corruption and defeating and/or obstructing the ends of justice,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
Authorities indicated that the arrest is part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption within the EMPD, with more suspects potentially facing arrest.
“The Task Team is still searching for other suspects linked to the case,” Mathe said.
Police declined to provide further details on the allegations, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The arrest comes after Mkhwanazi faced sustained pressure at the Madlanga Commission this week, as his testimony unravelled under sharp questioning, exposing contradictions, missing records and serious allegations of criminal conduct inside a police unit.
“These arrests emanate from an ongoing investigation into corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD)," said Mathe.
"No further comment will be provided on the merits of the case at this stage.”
The suspect is expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 20, 2026.
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