By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Suspended Human Resources of Ekhuruleni Municipality, Linda Gxasheka gave her testimony today and denied allegations that she was part of the group that helped cover the corruption charges linked to suspended Acting Ekhuruleni Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

In her testimony she emphasised that she did not know Mkhwanazi quite well as she also expressed fear towards him upon learning that Mkhwanazi is considered dangerous.

Gxasheka is being accused of not maintaining her role as HR manager to enforce disciplinary measures against Mkhwanazi. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had filed a report that implicated the Deputy Chief in fraud and corruption.

 “A day or two days later the Chief (Isaac Mapiyeye) kept on calling me saying, ‘Action HOD, you have to sign the suspension.’  I have a personal duty to sign, whether I am safe or not safe. I want it to be recorded here…that ultimately I did sign the intention to suspend” said Gxasheka in her testimony.

 She also noted that there were several officials who feared Mkhwanazi and were intimidated by him as well.

“Despite the Chief of Police, who has guns and firearms that we don’t have, tells us how scared he was of this person, because of my judicial duty, I did sign that suspension letter” said Gxasheka.

 Gxasheka also highlighted that she requested a risk threat analysis to ensure the safety of her family and herself as well. However she mentioned that the risk analysis was not conducted.

An irregular salary increase of R600,000 was rewarded as a means of protecting the acting Police Chief, as this is a claim that will be expected to be addressed before the commission tomorrow.