City of Ekurhuleni HR head suspended over failure to act against embattled EMPD top cop Mkhwanazi

The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that the head of its Department of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, has been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect for failing to institute disciplinary action against acting EMPD chief brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

The city announced the suspension in a statement on Friday.

Mkhwanazi was recently suspended for allegedly entering the EMPD into a fraudulent contract with murder-accused business tycoon Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala. 

He has also been implicated in corruption and in shielding criminal networks within the justice system and SAPS. 

Mkhwanazi recently appeared before the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating alleged political interference and the protection of criminal networks within law enforcement.

“This decision follows a resolution of the Municipal Council taken on November 18, 2025, which delegated authority to the city manager to consider and implement precautionary suspensions in terms of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010,” city spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said.

He added that, in line with the council resolution and Regulation 6(1) of the disciplinary regulations, City Manager Kagiso Lerutla assessed whether grounds existed to place the senior manager on precautionary suspension.

“In compliance with Regulation 6(2), the affected senior manager was afforded an opportunity to make written representations prior to a final decision being taken,” Mbengashe said. 

These representations were considered before the decision was finalised.

“The city emphasises that a precautionary suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt, nor does it amount to disciplinary action,” he said. 

“It is an interim administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of internal processes, ensure organisational stability, and enable matters to be handled fairly and without interference.”

According to the city, the measures form part of its broader commitment to restoring public trust in the administration of Ekurhuleni.

“The City of Ekurhuleni remains committed to fully supporting the work of the Madlanga Commission, recognising its importance in strengthening accountability and safeguarding the integrity of municipal governance,” Mbengashe said.

“The City further reaffirms its commitment to transparency, procedural fairness, and sound governance practices.”

He said no further details will be released at this stage, as the matter remains subject to internal processes.

IOL