Madlanga Grills EMPD City Manager Who Refused to Punish Julius Mkhwanazi for Criminal Acts

During her ongoing testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on December 1, 2025, former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi faced further intense questioning from commissioners, including Commissioner Khumalo and Commissioner Baloyi, about her apparent inaction on serious allegations that suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi was directly involved in the theft of copper cables. This line of inquiry built on prior testimonies from November 2025, particularly from former EMPD Deputy Commissioner Isaac Spies and in-camera witnesses, who presented CCTV footage and other evidence implicating Mkhwanazi.

The Copper Theft Incident: The allegations stem from a 2022 incident in Meyerton (Sedibeng district, on the Vaal), where CCTV footage reportedly captured Mkhwanazi and EMPD officers from his specialised services unit arriving at a workshop or business premises. Under the pretense of a legitimate operation targeting stolen goods, they allegedly confiscated large quantities of copper cables and second-hand items, which were never logged or returned—effectively stealing them. Witnesses claimed this was part of a broader pattern of misconduct, including links to extortion, hijacking, and recovery rackets involving valuable metals like copper and cobalt. Tragically, the informant who secured and provided the CCTV footage to investigators was murdered shortly afterward, raising suspicions of a cover-up.

Commissioners' Probing: The commissioners pressed Mashazi on why, as city manager and accounting officer, she took no disciplinary or investigative steps against Mkhwanazi despite the IPID's involvement, and the damning evidence presented earlier in the commission. This echoed the earlier grilling over the blue lights scandal, with questions highlighting testimonies accusing her of shielding Mkhwanazi through interference, such as blocking probes and promoting him to deputy chief in December 2023 amid ongoing scandals. Commissioner Baloyi specifically noted inconsistencies between her verbal responses and her prepared statement, suggesting a lack of accountability.

Mashazi's Defense: Mashazi maintained that the responsibility for internal disciplinary actions fell to the EMPD chief at the time (Isaac Mapiyeye), not directly to her office. She argued that she had reported irregularities where required but emphasized departmental hierarchies, though this was challenged as evasive given her oversight role and prior accusations of favoritism toward Mkhwanazi (including the viral video of him pledging loyalty to her). Observers noted her responses appeared defensive and frustrated during this portion of the session.

This questioning ties into a pattern of allegations that Mashazi enabled a "rogue unit" under Mkhwanazi, allowing misconduct like theft, murder cover-ups, and corruption to persist without consequence. The copper theft is one of several scandals linked to Mkhwanazi's command, including the blue lights MOU with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala's security firm and other violent crimes. Mkhwanazi himself is set to testify later this week, along with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, which could provide counterclaims or further revelations.

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