Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has acknowledged before the Madlanga Commission that he received several payments from controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. His admission comes amid growing scrutiny over alleged attempts to improperly influence senior officials within the City of Ekurhuleni’s policing structures.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi detailed that Matlala had given him money on multiple occasions—amounts he described as assistance for day-to-day needs such as food, petrol, and even support towards a sibling’s funeral. According to Mkhwanazi, these contributions were offered as personal help rather than as an exchange for favours or influence.
However, evidence leader Sello Mahlape challenged this explanation, arguing that the timing, frequency, and context of the payments strongly suggest that they were made as gratification. Mahlape argued that Matlala’s financial support coincided with efforts to secure the registration of his vehicles under the City of Ekurhuleni, followed by the controversial fitting of blue lights—privileges normally reserved for official law-enforcement or emergency services vehicles.
Mahlape pressed further, stating:
*“On the basis of all that, I seek to persuade the Commissioners that this is in part gratification. I am not even suggesting that this is the totality, but at least we know that in the letter of intention to commit, Mr Matlala had started making significant payments to you.”*
In response, Mkhwanazi firmly denied that the payments were bribes or inducements. He insisted that Matlala often spoke of grand promises and generous future plans, none of which had materialised. According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala had told him that once certain business dealings were secured, he would ensure Mkhwanazi could retire comfortably and pursue other ventures.
*“No, it’s not that,”* Mkhwanazi replied. *“He even promised me far more than that. Even now, when there was nothing happening, he said when he gets this thing ‘ngamla’, you will retire and find another business. And I was very happy.”*
The exchange highlighted the tension between the Commission’s efforts to clamp down on corruption linked to blue-light abuse in Gauteng municipalities and the insistence by implicated officials that financial exchanges were merely personal gestures.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence as it investigates alleged systemic corruption, improper procurement practices, and the manipulation of municipal services for private enrichment.
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