Ekurhuleni police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi suspended amid multiple fraud and corruption charges

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi was suspended in November 2025 and is now facing three criminal cases, two internal disciplinary hearings and an investigation by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Allegations include organising a fake police raid to steal sugilite and manganese stones valued at R14.9 million, fraud and corruption with city manager Kagiso Lerutla over a R400,000 payment to impersonate Lerutla in court, possession of an illegal firearm and facilitating blue‑light approvals for private luxury vehicles linked to an alleged crime boss.

Mkhwanazi maintains the charges are politically motivated, arguing his appointment was irregular and that he is being targeted for refusing to be vetted. The Commission heard that municipal officials, including former manager Imogen Mashazi, protected him, and a video showed him pledging to kill for her. He has been granted bail in each case and is due back in court on 25 August 2026. Political parties and civil‑society groups are calling for his permanent removal.