By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The acting Chief of the Ekhuruleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Julius Mkhwanazi, had admitted to parliament yesterday that he does in fact harbour a close relationship with shady businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala but continues to deny his involvement in installing blue lights on Matlala’s vehicle. 

Appearing before the Ad Hoc committee Mkhwanazi made his testimony in accordance with being probed for corruption as well as political interference within the EMPD, allegations which Mkhwanazi finds himself being suspended for from his post as acting Chief of EMPD.

 Mkhwanazi admitted that Matlala was more than just a mere business man to him, but rather sees him more as a ‘brother’, but continues to insist that their friendship was never rooted in any illegal or corrupt activities. 

“The letter said I stole blue lights and branded vehicles for Cat Security. My suspension was for three months. I stayed at home for three months” said Mkhwanazi during his testimony before the Ad Hoc committee. 

After his three month suspension, Mkhwanazi was reinstated into service for EMPD, however allegations continue to swirl around his name and has begun to tarnish his name and his career further, and now due to his appearances in the Madlanga Commission, he has now been formally suspended as of 11 November 2025. 

The most pressing reason for his suspension is linked to claims that he installed blue lights for Cat Matlala’s security company, even though those lights were for official police use.

 Mkhwanazi continues to affirm that Matlala’s company did donate vehicles to the EMPD which raises more eyebrows on how the municipality acquires their resources and the legitimacy of these procurements.

The suspended Chief continued to press on the fact that dealing with Matlala’s security company was met with professionalism and everything seemed above board.

 “They have proper offices, PA, secretary, letterheads, registration numbers…everything checked out” said Mkhwanazi in his testimony. 

Mkhwanazi also claims that all the meetings they conducted were held in their offices in Pretoria and maintains the above board nature of their dealings, stating that nothing was ever done in secrecy. 

MPs have maintained that they will continue to probe into the relationship Mkhwanazi and Matlala hold to ensure that no further corruption is conducted.