TOP cop faces an uncertain future amid allegations.
The future of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi remains uncertain following serious allegations of misconduct.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza addressed the matter on Thursday, 30 October.
He confirmed that Mkhwanazi faces a potential precautionary suspension, which will be considered at an upcoming council meeting.
However, he declined to provide details of the report received by the municipality concerning Mkhwanazi, saying the matter will be debated during the council meeting.
"I don't want to discuss the merits of the report at this stage as the matter needs to be addressed directly with Mkhwanazi. Any suspension will be followed by formal disciplinary processes," Xhakaza said.
The precautionary suspension follows allegations by KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi linking Mkhwanazi to controversial tender tycoon Vusi "Cat" Matlala.
Reports indicate that the deputy metro police chief allegedly installed municipal blue lights on Matlala's private vehicles without authorisation and registered the cars under the city.
Mkhwanazi was placed on special leave following the allegations.
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Xhakaza emphasised that disciplinary procedures would proceed "without fear or favour".
"The audit report on Mkhwanazi was firm and conclusive. Following the council sitting, due processes must be implemented to demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, ethical lapses, and violations of the rule of law," he said.
Xhakaza declined to disclose the contents of the audit report, citing concerns about interfering with the ongoing Madlanga Commission. He confirmed that the municipality is cooperating with law enforcement investigations into Matlala's alleged dealings involving the city.
In other municipal developments, Xhakaza announced the appointment of Kagiso Michael Lerutle as the new city manager following council approval.
He praised Lerutle's experience and ability to deliver clean audits and uphold transparency. "We are committed to restoring trust in our communities and reinforcing the values of good governance that underpin our renewal agenda," he said.
Lerutle was selected from a competitive pool of 143 candidates and brings over 10 years of management experience, including serving as a chief financial officer.
Due to safety concerns following the recent killing of senior auditor, Mpho Mafole, the municipality has conducted a risk assessment and provided security for Lerutle.
