Ekurhuleni HR Boss Suspended For Not Acting Against EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi

The City of Ekurhuleni has placed its Human Resources Department head, Linda Gxasheka, on precautionary suspension after she allegedly failed to initiate disciplinary action against acting EMPD chief brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

The municipality announced the move in a statement issued on Friday, confirming that the suspension takes effect immediately.

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Mkhwanazi himself was recently suspended over allegations that he entered the EMPD into a fraudulent contract with murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala.

He has further been linked to corruption and accused of shielding criminal networks within the justice system and SAPS. He recently appeared before the Madlanga Commission, which is probing claims of political interference and the protection of criminal syndicates in law enforcement.

Ekurhuleni Cites Council Resolution and Disciplinary Regulations

City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe explained that the suspension followed “a resolution of the Municipal Council taken on November 18, 2025, which delegated authority to the city manager to consider and implement precautionary suspensions in terms of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010.”

He said City Manager Kagiso Lerutla evaluated whether adequate grounds existed to place Gxasheka on precautionary suspension, as required by Regulation 6(1).

“In compliance with Regulation 6(2), the affected senior manager was afforded an opportunity to make written representations prior to a final decision being taken,” Mbengashe noted. These submissions were reviewed before the measure was finalised.

Suspension Not a Finding of Guilt, Says City

“The city emphasises that a precautionary suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt, nor does it amount to disciplinary action,” Mbengashe said.

“It is an interim administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of internal processes, ensure organisational stability, and enable matters to be handled fairly and without interference.”

The municipality added that the action forms part of broader efforts to rebuild public confidence in its governance systems.

“The City of Ekurhuleni remains committed to fully supporting the work of the Madlanga Commission, recognising its importance in strengthening accountability and safeguarding the integrity of municipal governance,” Mbengashe said.

“The City further reaffirms its commitment to transparency, procedural fairness, and sound governance practices.”

No further details will be released for now, as the matter remains under internal review.

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