Suspended Julius Mkhwanazi has admitted to the Madlanga commission that he cannot deny issuing letters claiming the city maintained an “endless relationship” with the company owned by Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Evidence Challenges Initial Denials
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi initially claimed he did not provide guards from Matlala’s company, CAT VIP, with letters stating the city had a memorandum of understanding or an ongoing agreement with the firm.
However, advocate Sello Mahlape, the commission’s evidence leader, presented WhatsApp messages between Mkhwanazi and Mike van Wyk. Van Wyk, a director of Medicare24—a company that later sold its franchise to Matlala—had provided specific wording for appointment letters.
The messages indicated that Mkhwanazi planned to issue letters describing an “endless working relationship” between Anubis Protection Services, Medicare24, and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
When confronted with the October 2021 letter, Mkhwanazi provided indirect answers, eventually stating he could not remember. Under pressure from commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga, he finally conceded that he could not deny writing the document.
The Significance of ‘Free Passes’
Testimony at the commission highlighted that these letters functioned as a type of free pass at roadblocks. Guards could present the letters to be allowed through without being searched.
This has raised severe concerns that the documents could have been used to transport illicit goods, bypassing standard security protocols and police searches.
Broader Allegations of Fraud
Beyond the letters, Mkhwanazi faces accusations of fraudulently fitting blue lights to vehicles belonging to Matlala’s security company.
He is further accused of providing fraudulent letters that falsely claimed a memorandum of understanding existed between the City of Ekurhuleni and the security firm.
Given these admissions, the commission may further investigate the extent of the relationship between city officials and alleged cartel members. These findings could lead to further disciplinary or legal actions as the inquiry continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the letters issued to CAT VIP considered dangerous?
Witnesses testified that the letters acted as free passes at roadblocks, allowing guards to pass through without being searched, which raised concerns that they could be used to transport illicit goods.
What evidence was used to challenge Julius Mkhwanazi’s testimony?
The commission presented WhatsApp messages between Mkhwanazi and Mike van Wyk of Medicare24, as well as a letter from October 2021 issued to CAT VIP using nearly identical wording regarding an “endless working relationship.”
What other fraudulent activities is Mkhwanazi accused of?
Mkhwanazi is accused of fraudulently fitting blue lights to cars belonging to Matlala’s security company and providing fraudulent letters claiming a memorandum of understanding with the City of Ekurhuleni.
How should city governments ensure that security partnerships do not compromise public safety checkpoints?