Julius Mkhwanazi (EMPD)
Julius Mkhwanazi served as Deputy Chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). (Not to be confused with KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.) He was suspended in November 2025 following Madlanga Commission testimony linking him to a rogue unit within the EMPD, unlawful contracts with Vusimuzi Matlala’s security companies, and the murder of civilian informant Jaco Hanekom. He is scheduled to return to testify before the Madlanga Commission on 14 April 2026.
Rogue unit: Mkhwanazi is alleged to have run a rogue unit within the EMPD engaged in extortion, kidnapping, theft, and truck hijacking. He is also linked to a murder case — the March 2023 killing of Jaco Hanekom, who had provided CCTV footage showing Mkhwanazi participating in an unlawful copper confiscation operation at a Meyerton workshop (75km outside EMPD jurisdiction) in August 2022. The EMPD officers involved were granted bail on the day Hanekom was murdered via a drive-by shooting.
Unlawful MoUs with Matlala: In October 2021, Mkhwanazi signed two Memoranda of Understanding on behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni: one with Medicare 24 and another with CAT Protection and Security — both companies linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala (alleged Big Five cartel figure). The MoUs were found to be unlawful. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommended Mkhwanazi be charged and disciplined. IPID also cited him for fitting blue police lights on Matlala’s vehicles.
Protected from accountability: Former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi allegedly shielded Mkhwanazi. Head of employee relations Xolani Nciza testified that Mashazi called him and said: “You guys hate Julius, leave him alone. We are not going to extend the suspension.” Multiple attempts to suspend and discipline Mkhwanazi were obstructed by senior Ekurhuleni management. In February 2026, two additional Ekurhuleni officials were suspended for allegedly protecting Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action.
Commission testimony (April 2026): Mkhwanazi is expected to return before the Madlanga Commission on 14 April 2026 — the week after this entry was written — to face further questioning about the rogue unit, the Hanekom murder connection, and the Matlala MoUs.
Connections
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) — the institution he served and allegedly weaponised
- Jaco Hanekom — civilian informant murdered March 2023; had provided CCTV footage placing Mkhwanazi at unlawful operation
- Vusimuzi Matlala — security company owner; recipient of unlawful MoUs signed by Mkhwanazi
- Madlanga Commission — subject of testimony November 2025 and April 2026
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) — recommended discipline; recommendations repeatedly blocked
- Big Five cartel — Matlala’s alleged cartel; Mkhwanazi’s MoUs linked him to this network