- Dr. Imogen Mashazi (former Ekurhuleni City Manager) testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
- Mashazi challenges the commissioner for not rigorously questioning previous witness Xolani Nciza
- Specifically asks why Nciza’s insinuation that she and Julius Mkhwanazi were involved in “extra-mural activities” (implying an improper personal relationship or side dealings) was not probed
- Commissioner sharply rebukes her: “You are a witness here to answer questions, not to interrogate other people’s evidence”
- Exchange highlights tension over perceived bias and selective scrutiny in the commission
- Accused of extreme abuse of power to shield suspended EMPD acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action
- Allegedly blocked suspension extensions, halted investigations, and facilitated Mkhwanazi’s promotion to deputy chief in Dec 2023 despite serious pending charges
Main Charges Against Mkhwanazi (“Blue Lights Scandal”)
- Fabricated MOUs giving private security companies (linked to alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala) policing powers, blue lights, and right to impersonate EMPD officers
- Registered Matlala’s private vehicles as municipal property
- Accepted R300,000 “donation” tied to these irregular deals
The central dispute in Dr. Imogen Mashazi’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry (on December 1, 2025) revolves around her alleged abuse of authority to shield suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary proceedings.
Mashazi is accused of intervening to block his suspension extensions, halt investigations, and even facilitate his promotion to deputy chief in December 2023—despite Mkhwanazi facing charges of gross dishonesty, misconduct, and ties to the “blue lights scandal” involving unlawful agreements with private security firms linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
During her appearance, Mashazi defended her actions as procedural and pushed back against claims of favoritism, but the exchange escalated when she questioned why Commissioner Paul Baloyi had not rigorously probed prior witnesses on their insinuations of her “extra-mural” (personal or improper) relationship with Mkhwanazi.
Baloyi rebuked her, emphasizing that as a witness, she must answer questions rather than interrogate others, highlighting procedural tensions and perceptions of bias in the inquiry.This dispute underscores broader allegations of a “criminal enterprise” within the EMPD, including fabricated memoranda of understanding (MOUs) granting policing powers to Matlala’s CAT VIP Security (allowing civilian vehicles blue lights and impersonation of officers), irregular vehicle registrations in the municipality’s name, and a R300,000 donation misused for cadet training. Mashazi’s protection of Mkhwanazi is portrayed as undermining accountability, with critics labeling it an “extreme abuse of power.”
