The internal operations of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), since the appointment of Julius Mkhwanazi as Deputy Chief of Police Operations, is cause for concern.
We previously reported that Julius Mkwanazi is under investigation and is the suspect in a Fraud and Corruption Case by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The City instituted disciplinary action against him as recommended in the report and it is believed that the City spent over R600 000 for the appointment of a company to investigate the case. All this was for naught, as the case against Mkhwanazi was withdrawn, allegedly due to the resignation of former senior Ekurhuleni Official, Xolani Nciza.
The CoE also allowed Julius Mkwanazi to continue with work after being suspended.
It is further alleged that the Chief of Police has been placed on Special leave and Julius Mkhwanazi, appointed to Act as Chief of Police during the interview process, appointed officers that applied for promotions.
Officers were allegedly appointed without being compliant with the minimum requirements according to the advertisements.
Furthermore, and most worrying is that officers with criminal records still seem to be on the payroll of the City, some have even been promoted to senior positions. We must have a legal and ethical EMPD that can service the residents in Ekurhuleni and not a Department that operates in this type of Mafia-style operation.
The DA will write a letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to find out why the case was not placed on the court roll.
We will not stand idly by while corruption takes place in our city and Police Force, we will ensure that Ekurhuleni has a Metro Police Services that serve the residents of the City.