By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Suspended HR manager of Ekhuruleni Municipality, Linda Gxasheka, has argued that the scope of investigation is limited in their pursuit to address widespread corruption within the criminal justice system, specifically within the municipality.
Linda Gxasheka is currently being accused of shielding the suspended Acting Ekhuruleni Metro Police Department Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi from necessary disciplinary measures.
Mkhwanazi appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in order to face allegations involving him installing blue lights on alleged crime lord Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s private vehicles.
Mkhwanazi also allegedly facilitated the process of those vehicles being registered in the name of Ekhuruleni. Mkhwanazi was promoted from his role as Deputy Chief to Acting Chief in 2023, despite having faced allegations of misconduct.
Gxasheka also highlighted an instance in which a company was paid at the Municipalities expense despite not ever having done business for the city in any capacity as well as not being on their supplier database. Gxasheka highlighted that a disciplinary process is currently being conducted on that issue.
“I was approached by a union representing an employee. He then said to me ‘HOD I would like to protect your life. I would like you to settle this matter and let this employee go’” said Gxasheka in her testimony.
“It was like a movie. Those movies that we used to watch when we were young. I have never seen something like that. He then referred to it and said they will do the same to your house” Gxasheka testified explaining that the union representative wanted to prevent her house being shot at like a previous councillor.
Gxasheka continued to testify that the former MMC for Road and Transport , the late Andile Mngwevu, had shared with her that a syndicate had infiltrated Tractor Loader backhoes (TLBs) and had transported them to the Eastern Cape.
“We allocated one of our legal advisors to deal with the matter. Subsequently, she went to advocate Khemraj, Behari (Head of Ekhuruleni’s Risk and Legal Services Department) and myself to request protection. I asked her: ‘Do you really want to have protection? Why don’t you leave this thing and let external lawyers deal with it?” Gxasheka testified.
Gxasheka is also further accused of refusing to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension after three months had passed. However, she explained that she did want to sign an extension letter but former city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, had ordered them to lift the suspension due to delays in disciplinary measures.