Mediamec Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations that he instructed officers under his command to carry out an armed robbery, as he faced tough questioning at the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi firmly rejected claims that he played any role in orchestrating criminal activity involving EMPD officers. He maintained that he never gave any instruction for officers to engage in robbery or any unlawful operation, insisting that the allegations against him are false and misleading.
The commission, however, pressed him on inconsistencies in earlier statements and evidence presented during the inquiry. Investigators and legal representatives suggested that there were contradictions in his version of events, particularly regarding his involvement in certain police operations linked to alleged theft and misconduct.
At the centre of the questioning is a broader investigation into alleged criminal conduct within elements of the EMPD, including claims of officers being deployed outside formal procedures and jurisdiction. The commission has heard evidence alleging that some operations may have crossed the line into criminal activity rather than legitimate law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi has repeatedly pushed back against these claims, telling the inquiry that he is being unfairly implicated and that he has not been involved in any criminal enterprise. He also rejected suggestions that he misled investigators during earlier stages of the probe.
Despite his denials, the inquiry continues to examine evidence that includes witness testimony and operational records, with questions being raised about command responsibility and oversight within the unit.
The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing evidence as it unpacks allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power within law enforcement structures in Gauteng, with Mkhwanazi remaining a central figure in the proceedings.
