By Doreen Mokgolo
Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, director of special services for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), has been accused of demanding sex from women officers in exchange for promotions.
Whistleblowers in the department have accused the cop of targeting women EMPD officers looking to climb the ranks.
This is not the first time Mkhwanazi has faced disturbing allegations of misconduct.
In February last year, he was suspended on claims that he gave police blue lights to his friends and took part in questionable deals on behalf of the metro.
Internal investigations found evidence to charge him with abuse of power and gross dishonesty; however, he returned to work in October with a promotion to deputy chief of police in the department.
Siyanda Makhubela, ActionSA’s caucus leader in the Ekurhuleni City Council, said he was surprised that the investigations into Mkhwanazi’s abuse of power were dropped.
“The investigations were supposed to seriously investigate accusations that the brigadier was abusing power and utilising metro vehicles for personal use and his friends,” Makhubela said.
He added that Mkhwanazi’s actions made it difficult for more qualified officers in the department to get promotions.
“We believe there is a case to reopen the investigation into his conduct,” Makhubela said.
“We know officials are innocent until proven guilty.
“However, given that the previous investigation was mysteriously halted and new allegations have since emerged, we will be writing to the Executive Mayor Nkosidiphile Xhakaza, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Sivuyile Ngodwane, and MMC for Community Safety Sizakele Masuku, asking that Mkhwanazi be immediately suspended pending a thorough investigation.”
Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed that they are investigating the allegations.
Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said Mkhwanazi had not yet been suspended as the allegations remain unproven.
“Internal investigations are still underway on both cases. In the first case, we could only suspend him for three months as the Labour Relations Act only permits us to suspend employees for that period,” he said.
Pictured above: Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.
Source: Supplied
