Madlanga Commission: Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi accused of covering up a murder case
Mapaballo Borotho
- Witness D told the commission that Brigadier Mkhwanazi ordered him to help cover up a 2022 murder in Brakpan, involving suffocation of a suspect and dumping the body in a dam.
- His account matches earlier testimony from other senior police officers about Mkhwanazi’s direct involvement at the scene.
- Witness D also claims that Mkhwanazi’s appointees participated in laundering stolen copper, cobalt, and retail goods fueling concerns about systemic corruption.
New evidence has emerged at the Madlanga Commission incriminating the now-suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) head, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.
A new witness claims that he assisted the law enforcement officials in the City of Ekurhuleni in covering up a murder case in 2022, following Mkhwanazi’s instructions in Brakpan.
Witness D testified partially on camera, where only his voice is audible on Friday. He has testified that the deceased was allegedly suffocated.
His testimony corroborates that of suspended Police Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye and retired Deputy Police Chief Revo Spies, who testified about Brigadier Mkhwanazi’s alleged involvement at the crime scene.
The Commissioners were told that the suspect who was killed had been accused of stealing stock at a warehouse in Brakpan.
The suspect was then suffocated and tubed by EMPD, SAPS, as well as private security members.
Witness D gave a gave chilling testimony of his involvement in the cleanup, which resulted in him dumping the suspect into a dam.
“Shortly afterwards, they returned to where we were, and Mkhwanazi said we needed to throw the body into a mineshaft or dump it into a dam.”
Witness D says the body of the deceased was recovered, but no arrests have been made.
Evidence before the Madlanga Commission states that at least three police officers attached to the EMPD alongside Brigadier Mkhwanazi have been implicated in wrongdoing.
Concluding his testimony at the Commission, Witness D said those appointed by Mkhwanazi were involved in recovering stolen copper, stolen cobalt and chain store products.
The Commission has wrapped up its focus on the alleged political interference in Ekurhuleni and will resume on Monday.
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