Julius Mkhwanazi wanted ‘Cat’ Matlala registered as ‘peace corps’ in Ekurhuleni | Madlanga Commission
<p>Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is facing serious allegations of corruption. </p>
<p>Image: Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers</p>
<p>Suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi said he wanted alleged tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to be registered as a member of Ekurhuleni’s peace officer programme and not necessarily police the streets.</p>
<p>Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday that the intention was to use him for traffic and community support duties rather than policing functions.</p>
<p>Mkhwanazi said Matlala was among individuals considered for a peace officer initiative aimed at helping the EMPD manage traffic congestion, school safety operations and major public events.</p>
<p>According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala’s proposed role had nothing to do with criminal investigations or frontline policing.</p>
<p>“The objective was to assist us with traffic lights and to also assist during hours when children are going to school,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.</p>
<p>He said the municipality frequently struggles with limited manpower, particularly during weekends, funerals and large gatherings, making additional support necessary.</p>
<p>“Those volunteers were going to help us and not charge us anything,” he said.</p>
<p>But Mkhwanazi’s explanation came under intense scrutiny as commissioners examined how a man accused of operating within the criminal underworld became linked to a programme that carries official law enforcement authority.</p>
