Germiston – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been granted R10 000 bail in the high-profile blue lights case but will remain behind bars over a separate murder matter.
Mkhwanazi appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he received the outcome of his bail application, which was argued on 28 August.
Although a bail was granted in the blue lights case, Mkhwanazi will not be released because he is also facing a separate case linked to the murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense according to The Citizen,
Judgment in that matter is expected on Tuesday, 15 September.
Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been granted bail of R10 000 at the Germiston Magistrates’ Court.#sabcnews #SABCNewsOnline #JuliusMkhwanazi #CatMatlala #fyp #following pic.twitter.com/33xFXIkxZ0
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 14, 2026
The blue lights case has been postponed to 9 October to allow Mkhwanazi’s defence team time to review the docket.
Mkhwanazi is accused alongside businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and EMPD fleet manager Chris Steyn in the matter.
The case relates to allegations that vehicles linked to Matlala were irregularly registered as City of Ekurhuleni municipal vehicles and fitted with blue lights. The accused face six counts of corruption, fraud and defeating the administration of justice, according to the National Prosecuting Authority. ([NPA][2])
The NPA has alleged that Mkhwanazi, while acting as EMPD deputy chief, drafted a memorandum of understanding between the metro police department and Matlala’s company without the required municipal approval. It further alleges that the accused facilitated the reversal of the registration of four vehicles while investigations were under way.
Mkhwanazi has previously denied wrongdoing and maintained that he intends to plead not guilty.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
