Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, was arrested on 18 April 2026 on charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. The arrest, executed by the Madlanga Task Team, follows damning testimony provided to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding systemic criminality within the metro police force.
Testimony Links Official To High-Value Theft
During a session on 23 June 2026, a witness identified as ‘Witness K’, who serves as a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) inspector, provided evidence regarding her former romantic relationship with Mkhwanazi. Witness K alleged that Mkhwanazi and other EMPD officials orchestrated the theft of precious stones worth millions from a Killarney apartment in February 2023 under the guise of an official police operation.
As your girlfriend, I made plans to assist him with groceries, paying for his legal fees, and his disciplinary case at work, and help him pay school fees for his children.
WhatsApp evidence submitted to the commission further suggested that Mkhwanazi repeatedly solicited Witness K to influence Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) officials. These messages allegedly contained requests to have active cases against various EMPD officers dismissed or sidelined.
Impact On The Commission And Structural Reform
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is tasked with investigating pervasive allegations of political interference, kidnapping, murder, and theft involving senior law enforcement officials and private security entities. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the link between the ongoing commission and current police enforcement actions.
These arrests emanate from an ongoing investigation into corruption within the EMPD.
The arrest of a high-ranking official like Mkhwanazi highlights the critical stage of the inquiry as it moves from investigative hearings to facilitating criminal prosecutions. Legal proceedings are expected to follow, which will test the evidence presented at the commission in a court of law.