LIVE | Suspended chief claims Deputy turned EMPD into personal fiefdom | Madlanga Commission

Suspended EMPD Chief of Police Issac Mapiyeye is continuing his testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Friday morning on how his subordinate, Julius Mkhwanazi, ran the City of Ekurhuleni amok.

Mapiyeye testified on Thursday about political interference within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police via the city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, and Human Resources.

He claimed the two officials have supported his deputy, who faked two documents which saw crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala getting a tender offer.

On Thursday, Mapiyeye told the commission how his deputy, turned the department into his power base — allegedly offering Matlala blue-light privileges, registering his vehicles under the city, and fast-tracking 55 loyalists into top posts.

This happened without his boss's knowledge.

Mapiyeye, said all these moves we made without anyone knowing which most happened while he was on leave.

According to Mapiyeye, Mkhwanazi “brazenly disregarded my authority” and “ran the department as he pleased” with the backing of Mashazi.

Between May and July 2024, Mkhwanazi allegedly made 55 senior appointments and promotions without consulting or informing his superiors.

The commission is expected to hear more details on the matter.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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