Julius Mkhwanazi Biography
Julius Mkhwanazi is a senior police official in South Africa. He has worked in law enforcement for many years. On November 11, 2025, the City of Ekurhuleni placed him on suspension. This action came after an internal audit found signs of possible wrongdoing. Mkhwanazi held the rank of brigadier and served as deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, or EMPD. He also acted as chief at times. His story shows the challenges in South African policing, such as claims of misconduct and lack of oversight.
In December 2025, Mkhwanazi appeared before the Madlanga Commission. This commission looked into problems at EMPD. During his testimony on December 3 and 4, 2025, he faced questions about his work and links to others. He admitted some things but denied others. For example, he said he got money from a businessman for petrol and food. This raised concerns about ethics in police work.
South Africa has a history of police issues after apartheid ended in 1994. Many officers started in the old system and moved to new roles. Mkhwanazi’s case highlights how some leaders face claims of abuse of power. Readers can learn about how commissions like Madlanga help check on police. This process aims to build trust in law enforcement. In the next parts, we look at his early years, job path, key links, home life, suspension details, and what it means for the future.
Julius Mkhwanazi Early Life
Julius Mkhwanazi was born on February 5, 1973, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This province has a rich history. During the 1980s and early 1990s, it saw much violence between political groups. Many young people grew up in tough times. Mkhwanazi came from this area, which shaped many who joined police work.
Details about his childhood are limited. He grew up in a time when South Africa changed from apartheid to democracy. Education was key for many to find better jobs. Mkhwanazi studied and earned qualifications for policing. He may have attended local schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The province is known for its Zulu culture and strong community ties. Family values often guide people there.
In his early years, Mkhwanazi likely saw the need for law and order. Violence in KwaZulu-Natal included fights over land and politics. This may have pushed him toward a career in safety. South African police training often starts young. Recruits learn basics like law and self-defense. Mkhwanazi’s roots in this province connect him to other officers from there, like Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner. But they are not the same person, despite the shared last name.
Julius Mkhwanazi Career
Julius Mkhwanazi began his work in law enforcement in South Africa. He joined the South African Police Service, or SAPS, in the early 1990s. This was soon after democracy started. As a constable, he handled basic duties like patrols and crime response. SAPS trains officers in academies. They learn about laws, human rights, and community help.
By the 2010s, Mkhwanazi moved to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. EMPD focuses on local issues in Gauteng province. In April 2019, he became Director of Special Services. This role involved oversight of operations. He rose to Deputy Municipal Commissioner for Operations and Specialised Services. He held the brigadier rank.
In 2024, Mkhwanazi acted as EMPD chief during leadership gaps. He signed orders and managed teams. His work included traffic control and anti-crime efforts. EMPD grew under such leaders, with more focus on safety in areas like Katlehong. He led responses to unrest in 2021.
Mkhwanazi oversaw special units. He worked on partnerships for better policing. But claims arose about irregular actions. For example, he promoted 55 people in three months without full process. He also refused vetting for some officers. Vetting checks backgrounds to ensure fitness.
His career shows progress from entry level to top posts. South African metro police handle city crimes, unlike national SAPS. EMPD reports to the City of Ekurhuleni. Mkhwanazi’s roles taught him about budgets and teams. He earned praise for some operations but faced probes.
Julius Mkhwanazi Controversial Ties
Julius Mkhwanazi had links to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, owner of CAT-VIP Protection. Their relationship started around 2021 or 2022. Matlala runs a private security firm. Mkhwanazi said he met Matlala through EMPD colleagues.
In testimony on December 3, 2025, Mkhwanazi called Matlala a brother. He admitted getting money from Matlala. This included cash for petrol and groceries, sometimes R5,000 or more. He said it was help during hard times. Matlala also attended a family funeral.
Claims say Mkhwanazi signed agreements with Matlala’s companies. These included memoranda of understanding, or MOUs. One was for blue lights on vehicles. Blue lights are for official use only. Mkhwanazi denied fitting them but admitted signing some papers. He claimed a letter was forged.
Mkhwanazi introduced Matlala to city officials. This led to questions about favoritism. Private firms sometimes work with police, but rules must be followed. The ties raised concerns about conflicts. For example, Matlala’s firm got privileges like vehicle registrations under EMPD.
In the Madlanga Commission, evidence leaders asked about these links. Mkhwanazi said the relationship was professional at first. It grew personal over time. He denied wrongdoing in blue light issues. But he agreed signing a draft MOU was wrong.
This connection shows risks in police-private ties. South Africa has laws against corruption. Officers must report gifts. Readers learn that close links can lead to probes. The case ties to broader issues in Gauteng policing, like slush funds.
Julius Mkhwanazi Personal Life
Little public info exists on Julius Mkhwanazi’s private life. He is married, but details about his wife are not widely shared. Sources suggest her name is Esethu Mkhwanazi, married since the early 2000s. They have children, but numbers are unclear. The family lives in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
Mkhwanazi faced financial issues. In his December 4, 2025, testimony, he said he borrowed from friends due to debts. This included help from Vusimuzi Matlala. He described times of struggle, like needing money for basics.
His work likely affected home life. Police jobs are stressful with long hours. Scandals add pressure. During the Madlanga Commission, he showed stress, like mixing up party names. He called the EFF the “Economic Freedom Front” by mistake, leading to laughs.
Family support is key for officers. Mkhwanazi’s links to Matlala included personal acts, like funeral attendance. This blends work and home. South African police families often face risks from job dangers.
Julius Mkhwanazi Suspension
On November 11, 2025, the City of Ekurhuleni suspended Julius Mkhwanazi. This was after an audit found possible misconduct. The suspension is administrative, pending full review. It covers claims from the Madlanga Commission.
The commission started in 2025 to probe EMPD issues. Witnesses named Mkhwanazi in allegations. These included rogue units, extortion, and cover-ups. He was subpoenaed after ignoring calls. His testimony on December 3 and 4, 2025, addressed these.
After suspension, EMPD launched a broader check. This looks at hiring and operations. Public reaction was strong. Social media discussed his case during hearings. Many lost trust in metro police.
Legal steps may follow. Charges could include misconduct or fraud. The case parallels other probes like Zondo on state capture. EMPD now focuses on reforms, like better vetting.
Conclusion
Julius Mkhwanazi’s story covers a long career in policing with recent troubles. Born in 1973, he rose from basic roles to EMPD deputy chief. His suspension on November 11, 2025, and Madlanga testimony highlight ethics needs. Ties to Matlala show risks in relationships.
South African policing needs strong rules. Commissions like Madlanga promote transparency. Mkhwanazi’s case urges better training and checks. It may lead to changes, like independent boards.
His legacy mixes achievements and claims. Positive work included operations, but issues erode trust. The future depends on probe outcomes. This teaches that accountability matters for all leaders.
FAQs
What is Julius Mkhwanazi’s role in EMPD?
He served as deputy chief and acted as chief, overseeing operations.
Why was Julius Mkhwanazi suspended?
On November 11, 2025, due to audit findings of misconduct.
Who is Julius Mkhwanazi connected to?
He had ties to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including financial help.
What happened at Julius Mkhwanazi’s Madlanga testimony?
On December 3-4, 2025, he admitted some links but denied others.
Where was Julius Mkhwanazi born?
In KwaZulu-Natal on February 5, 1973.
Who is Julius Mkhwanazi’s wife?
There’s no much information available on who his wife is. Although it is said that, Esethu Mkhwanazi is the wife of Julius Mkhwanazi.
What can we learn from Julius Mkhwanazi’s case?
It shows the need for ethics and oversight in policing.