The City of Ekurhuleni has leveled an additional misconduct charge against suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, Julius Mkhwanazi. This new accusation adds to the scrutiny on the senior officer as the internal hearing progresses.
This new charge pertains to claims that Mkhwanazi improperly sanctioned the installation of blue emergency lights on private vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. This update was reported by Eyewitness News on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
An outcome for the ongoing disciplinary proceedings could emerge as soon as next week, according to EWN.
The fresh allegation is associated with four private vehicles registered to Matlala.
Ekurhuleni is now accusing Mkhwanazi of misconduct regarding the blue-light fittings on these vehicles.
This new charge is distinct, though related to a previous allegation that Mkhwanazi endorsed a fraudulent memorandum of understanding that allowed Matlala to access blue-light privileges.
At this stage, the allegations remain to be proven, and Mkhwanazi has the right to challenge them in the disciplinary proceedings.
This additional internal charge comes on the heels of Mkhwanazi’s fifth criminal case, which is also tied to the blue-light controversy.
Last week, officers from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate issued an arrest warrant for Mkhwanazi following proceedings at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.
This criminal proceeding involves claims that luxury vehicles from Cat Protection Services were improperly registered as City of Ekurhuleni vehicles and equipped with blue emergency lights.
These criminal proceedings and the disciplinary discussions are independent and should not be conflated.
Mkhwanazi has previously denied accusations of unlawfully allowing Matlala to use blue lights.
In earlier statements, he contended that the vehicles were under consideration as potential donations to the City of Ekurhuleni and emphasized that he did not give direct authorization for the installation of emergency equipment.
He has characterized the allegations surrounding the blue-light issue as part of a targeted internal effort against him.
These denials are significant given that the disciplinary hearing has yet to announce its final conclusions.
Mkhwanazi previously sought to stop the disciplinary hearings through the Labour Court.
In March, the court denied his urgent application.
His argument was that certain alleged misconduct occurred under a different employment contract, asserting that the municipality could not discipline him under his current position.
However, the Labour Court ruled that a change in roles or contracts did not strip Ekurhuleni of its authority to take action against an employee for alleged misconduct committed during their employment.
This ruling enabled the disciplinary process to proceed.
The disciplinary hearing is now at a crucial juncture, with reports indicating that an outcome may arrive in the near future.
As a result, Ekurhuleni could soon determine whether the allegations have been substantiated and what, if any, disciplinary measures will occur.
Mkhwanazi has remained suspended throughout these proceedings.
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi faces a series of legal challenges in multiple courts.
On Thursday morning, he appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court alongside five co-defendants as bail applications continued in a murder case involving businessman Emmanuel Mbhense. Live coverage began shortly after 09:00.
Mkhwanazi and his co-defendants are facing accusations related to Mbhense’s murder in 2022.
The State is opposing their bail applications.
This prosecution is distinct from both the blue-light case and the disciplinary hearings involving the City of Ekurhuleni.
The blue-light controversy has been a prominent issue before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Evidence presented during the commission has put the relationship between Mkhwanazi and Matlala under significant examination.
Mkhwanazi has admitted to knowing Matlala while disputing claims that he used his official capacity to benefit him.
The evidence from the commission has instigated or intensified various investigations involving officials within the policing and local government sectors.
This new charge carries weight because it is not merely a repetition of previously discussed allegations.
It indicates that Ekurhuleni has formally broadened its disciplinary case against Mkhwanazi as the process nears its conclusion.
This raises the potential for a decisive outcome for one of the notable figures involved in recent police corruption inquiries.
Simultaneously, Mkhwanazi is navigating several criminal trials where he maintains the presumption of innocence.
The most relevant development this morning is:
Ekurhuleni has brought forth a new disciplinary charge against suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi regarding allegations connected to blue lights on private vehicles affiliated with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with his internal hearing reportedly nearing an outcome next week.
