Mystery surrounds EMPD boss Mkhwanazi’s arrest as police stay quiet

Mkhwanazi

Johannesburg – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested for fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice, police confirmed.

He was detained at his Gauteng home on Saturday morning by the SAPS Madlanga Commission Task Team and is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 April 2026, The Citizen reported.

According to EWN, Police have remained tight-lipped on further details, saying more information will only be released in court.

Authorities initially linked the arrest to an ongoing corruption investigation within the EMPD and said further arrests are expected.

However, police later clarified that the charges are not directly linked to evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission or to separate investigations by the police watchdog IPID.

Mkhwanazi has been implicated in multiple allegations before the commission, including the 2022 killing of Emmanuel Mbense, alleged irregular promotions, a suspected minerals theft operation, and the unlawful installation of blue lights on vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

He has denied all allegations.

He has also been accused of using his position to benefit associates and was recently warned over possible inconsistencies in his testimony before the commission, which he denies.

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