DA demands Ekurhuleni finalise Julius Mkhwanazi’s disciplinary matter as he remains on full pay

The Democratic Alliance is turning up the heat on the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, demanding a swift conclusion to the disciplinary hearing of Julius Mkhwanazi. The suspended EMPD Deputy Chief has been off the job since November 2025 but continues to draw his full monthly salary from the public purse.

Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA's mayoral candidate for the metro, pointed out that local government regulations mandate that senior management disciplinary matters should be wrapped up within three to five months. Mkhwanazi’s case has now dragged on for over eight months without a resolution.

A String of Serious Allegations

The suspended official's legal woes are extensive, with four arrests occurring within a span of just 109 days in 2026. His charges range from administrative fraud and corruption to far more violent offenses that have shocked the local community.

One set of charges involves an alleged 2019 scheme where a third party was paid R400,000 to impersonate a municipal manager in court. Additionally, he faces scrutiny over the 'blue lights' scandal, where private vehicles were reportedly registered as city assets and illegally equipped with emergency lights.

Theft and Murder Charges

The allegations escalated in July 2026 when Mkhwanazi was linked to a 2023 bogus police raid in Killarney. During that incident, precious stones worth approximately R14.9 million were allegedly stolen from a private property.

The most severe blow came on 5 August 2026, when he was arrested for murder and defeating the ends of justice. The state alleges he was involved in the 2022 killing of Brakpan businessman Emmanuel Mbense, whose remains were discovered in a dam.

Official Response and Claims of a Plot

For his part, Mkhwanazi has publicly maintained his innocence regarding the mounting criminal charges. He has suggested that the legal onslaught against him is not a reflection of his actions, but rather a coordinated plot designed to ruin his career.

As the metro continues to foot the bill for his suspension, the DA insists that taxpayers should not be funding the lifestyle of an official facing such weighty accusations. The party is pushing for the municipality to adhere to its own timeframes and bring the matter to a definitive close.