Julius Mkhwanazi Admits Receiving Over R70 000 From Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala: “I Can’t Agree To Leave My Kids And Go To Jail”

Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has conceded that he facilitated an arrangement between the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and businessman Vusi “Cat” Matlala.

His admission came after initially trying to distance himself from the claims when he first took the stand at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday.

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Mkhwanazi is concluding his testimony on allegations that he was among EMPD senior officers at the centre of widespread misconduct that has plagued the department in recent years.

Part of the inquiry also focuses on documents suggesting Matlala planned to donate vehicles to the EMPD in exchange for having his own cars registered under the Municipality and fitted with blue lights.

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Although Mkhwanazi first challenged the use of the word “facilitation”, he ultimately accepted the term following persistent questioning from Commissioners.

One Commissioner stated: “Whatever language that is used, whether it’s facilitation or assistance, this is what you did.”

Mkhwanazi replied: “Yes, facilitation, yes. I can’t agree to leave my kids and go to jail for something that I did not do. I didn’t put blue lights.”

The suspended deputy chief further admitted to receiving multiple payments from Vusimuzi Matlala, insisting that he viewed the controversial businessman as a brother. He confirmed receiving over R70 000 from Matlala in separate transactions during 2022.

“I had many challenges, you see. We discussed many things with Vusi and he was assisting. He was like a brother to me.”

Senzo Mchunu Expected to Continue Testimony as Inquiry Intensifies

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is also scheduled to resume his testimony on Thursday. On his opening day at the Commission, Mchunu defended his decision to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team, arguing that the move was overdue.

The Commission continues to hear explosive allegations of political and criminal interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system, with proceedings under way in Pretoria.

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