Azanian Ground Forces (AGF) leader Hlogi Moseki has publicly rejected allegations that he authorized the issuance of peace officer cards to private security personnel linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Mike van Wyk. Moseki, a former Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, issued his denial on Thursday, 25 June, following testimony provided at the Madlanga Commission by suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Why the Madlanga Commission is investigating these claims
The Madlanga Commission is currently examining allegations of irregularities within municipal law enforcement, specifically focusing on the potential abuse of peace officer accreditation. Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi alleged during commission proceedings that individuals linked to Matlala and Van Wyk bypassed standard recruitment procedures. According to Mkhwanazi, these individuals received training at the EMPD Academy and were subsequently issued official peace officer cards with political backing. Mkhwanazi specifically implicated Moseki in the authorization of these documents, questioning the legality of training private security personnel within official municipal structures.
What Hlogi Moseki says about the allegations
During a press address at the EMPD Training Academy in Kwa-Thema, Moseki characterized the claims as false. He stated that he does not recall ever engaging with Matlala or Van Wyk regarding municipal matters. According to Moseki, the recruitment and training of peace officers were conducted strictly through established municipal processes at the EMPD Academy. He maintained that certificates were only issued to successful candidates who were intended to be recruited as EMPD officers, denying any involvement with private security guards. Moseki emphasized that he has “nothing to hide” and expressed his willingness to testify before the Madlanga Commission to address the claims directly.
What happens next in the investigation
The investigation into the alleged irregularities is likely to continue as the Madlanga Commission reviews the conflicting accounts provided by Mkhwanazi and Moseki. A possible next step is for the commission to formally call Moseki to provide testimony, a move he has stated he is prepared to facilitate. As the commission works to verify the authorization process for the peace officer cards, it may seek further documentation from the EMPD Training Academy to determine if standard municipal procedures were followed or bypassed. With Moseki currently campaigning as the leader of the AGF ahead of upcoming elections, his public response serves to distance his political platform from the ongoing inquiry into municipal law enforcement practices.
