EMPD crackdown: 55 promotions reviewed, 275 officers under vetting spotlight

City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has ordered a review of all 55 promotions made by suspended deputy EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, along with a preliminary report into allegations that 275 officers were never properly vetted.

Xhakaza addressed the media on Tuesday morning following mounting allegations of corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

The Madlanga Commission recently heard testimony implicating senior EMPD officials, including Mkhwanazi, in allegedly enabling criminal infiltration. 

Mkhwanazi, who is at the centre of the metro police corruption allegations, is accused of installing blue lights on private vehicles belonging to alleged drug cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Xhakaza confirmed that on Monday, November 17, 2025, he convened an urgent special Mayoral Committee meeting to table an internal investigation report raising deeply troubling allegations of misconduct involving two senior managers. 

These include suspended EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye.

Mapiyeye was placed on precautionary suspension in September 2024 after allegations of sexual harassment were lodged against him.

“These allegations are consistent with concerns already raised before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry,” Xhakaza said.

He added that on Tuesday morning he requested the Speaker of Council to convene an extraordinary council meeting to brief councillors on the ongoing processes, including the reasons behind the 2023 decision not to institute disciplinary action stemming from alleged misconduct by Mkhwanazi, as recorded in the internal investigation.

“Given the serious and deeply concerning developments now emerging, both internally and through alleged irregularities presented at the Madlanga Commission, I have mandated the city manager to institute a broader, comprehensive internal investigation into alleged misconduct and administrative failures within the City’s law-enforcement structures,” he said.

The investigation must produce a preliminary report within 30 days.

“I have further directed that a preliminary report be submitted within 21 days on the alleged 275 unvetted officers, including those with alleged prior convictions,” he said. 

“Ensuring that all officers meet ethical and professional standards is essential to strengthening public trust.”

Xhakaza said he also instructed the city manager to review all 55 alleged irregular promotions of police officers made in recent years. The report is expected within seven days. 

“Where promotion decisions lack proper justification or are found to be irregular or politically influenced, corrective action will follow.”

He has further requested a full report on alleged irregular VIP protection deployments, including the alleged misuse of blue lights and the placement of officers facing criminal charges within VIP units. 

The matters must be fully understood to ensure accountability, he said.

“To reinforce integrity, the deputy chief of police, Brig Julius Mkhwanazi, has been placed on suspension. Other officials allegedly implicated in these matters are undergoing the appropriate disciplinary processes.”

Mkhwanazi’s suspension, effective November 11, 2025, follows an internal audit that found evidence of possible misconduct. 

The city stressed that the suspension is an administrative step to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and does not amount to a finding of guilt. Formal disciplinary proceedings will follow.

Xhakaza said these actions are necessary to preserve the integrity of the broader investigation and demonstrate that accountability applies to all.

“I am assembling a dedicated team to monitor and analyse submissions before the Madlanga Commission. The Commission has surfaced alleged administrative irregularities that may not be captured through routine reporting,” he said. 

The team will ensure these issues are tracked, documented and addressed appropriately.

To strengthen oversight, Xhakaza said he will appoint a security adviser in the Office of the Mayor and establish the position of commissioner of integrity. 

These roles, according to him, will provide independent expertise to address governance breaches, ethical concerns and security-related risks.

He has also written to the executive director of IPID requesting an urgent meeting for updates on all matters allegedly involving city officers and to ensure effective cooperation with the national oversight body.

“The gravity of these alleged failures underscores the necessity of the City’s Renewal Agenda. The issues surfacing internally and at the Commission highlight systems that must be rebuilt,” he said.

“Our response is rooted in renewal - restoring ethical leadership, strengthening controls, professionalising law enforcement and rebuilding public confidence in the City’s ability to govern transparently and fairly.”

Xhakaza said his administration remains firm in its commitment to renewal as a foundation for clean governance.

“We are confronting alleged maladministration decisively, tightening oversight and promoting accountability at every level. Through strengthened integrity structures, decisive action and transparent cooperation with oversight bodies, we are laying the groundwork for a safer, more reliable and more resilient City of Ekurhuleni.”

“The City remains fully committed to supporting the Madlanga Commission and will not interfere in its work or its independent processes in any way.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL