By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Julius Mkhwanazi, who is currently suspended from his post as Ekhuruleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Chief has given his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of inquiry yesterday in which he explained a letter of authority which dates back to 2021, was forged by infamous crime lord, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
In this letter of authority Matlala’s private security company, Cat VIP Protection, claims that the company had a long standing relationship with the EMPD. The letter also listed the registration of several vehicles and claims that those vehicles were to be used to assist the EMPD.
Mkhwanazi expresses that he had not signed the letter of authority and claimed it had been forged by the infamous crime lord. “I am contesting it-that is not my signature. My signature has a big J and the D, this one? No. And I got this on social media” expressed Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi also highlighted that he did in fact sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for two of Matlala’s companies but further claims that the letter of authority that he used to blindside the law, bared his forged signature.
Mkhwanazi also stated that although the letters were dated and signed, they never received full approval from the EMPD. Mkhwanazi also expressed that he had received payments from Matlala on multiple occasions, as he received R15,000-R20,000 for food, petrol as well as funeral expenses.
He expressed that the first payment was to pay for the funeral of his brother, and the Black AK company which is linked to Matlala, was apprehended on account of looting. Mkhwanazi also continues to deny the fact that blue lights were installed on Matlala’s car.
“Commissioners, I can’t accept this. I did not do it…I can’t go to jail and leave my wife over blue lights” expressed Mkhwanazi.
However Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, clarified that he in fact enabled the process of those lights being installed and that the situation does not pertain to whether or not Mkhwanazi physically installed them himself or not. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will continue with testimony from suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.