Court Blow For EMPD Boss: Julius Mkhwanazi Loses Urgent Bid To Halt Disciplinary Hearing

The Labour Court has dismissed an urgent application by suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, paving the way for internal disciplinary proceedings to continue.

Mkhwanazi had approached the court in an attempt to stop the hearing, arguing that the City of Ekurhuleni lacked the authority to discipline him over alleged misconduct tied to a contract that has since been terminated.

Judge Rejects Jurisdiction Argument in Strong Ruling

The court firmly dismissed Mkhwanazi’s claims, ruling that a change in employment terms does not exempt an employee from being held accountable for past actions.

In her judgment, Suzanna Harvey made it clear that accountability remains, regardless of contractual changes.

“The employee was an employee of the employer at the time of the alleged misconduct, and he remained an employee at the time the allegations were made and the disciplinary enquiry instituted,” Judge Suzanna Harvey said in her ruling.

The court found that Mkhwanazi failed to demonstrate that the disciplinary process would be unlawful.

Corruption Allegations Against Julius Mkhwanazi and Commission Testimony Loom

Mkhwanazi remains under scrutiny following allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission. He is accused of having links to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

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Among the claims are that private vehicles belonging to Matlala were unlawfully registered under the municipality’s name.

His legal bid to halt the process had been widely interpreted as an attempt to avoid facing these allegations in a formal setting.

With the court ruling now removing that obstacle, the City of Ekurhuleni is free to proceed with its case, and Mkhwanazi will be required to respond to the charges.

He is also expected to appear before the commission on April 14.