Mkhwanazi questioned on Medicare 24 and EMPD’s relationship

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department’s (EMPD) Acting Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi gives evidence at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria on December 3, 2025.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department’s (EMPD) Acting Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been questioned at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) the department entered into with Medicare 24.

Medicare 24 is owned by Mike van Wyk an alleged associate of attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Mkhwanazi has testified that the agreement would ensure that EMPD employees who were injured at work could receive treatment timeously.

However, Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned Mkhwanazi about why the agreement also involved the handling of crime exhibits by a private company.

Evidence leader Adv Sello Mahlape questions Mkhwanazi on the department and Medicare 24 MOU on using blue lights.

Sello: So, you had approved the provision of blue lights.

Mkhwanazi: No, I didn’t approve madam, here it doesn’t say approve, you said I must stick to the words the way you are using them, here it doesn’t say approve. It says ‘support’ and it must go to the person who must approve, it is the deputy chief of police, even them on approving it, it must also move out of the department.

Inquiry Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga: Where does it say in the MOU that the final approval by Medicare 24 to use blue lights must still to go outside the metro?

Mkhwanazi: Commissioner you are cornering me, you are not being fair.

PRIVATE SECURITY

Mkhwanazi’s relationship with private security companies is also under the spotlight. He admitted that EMPD officers are working with private security companies.

This is an issue of concern that was raised by former Ekurhuleni Deputy police chief Revo Spies regarding Mkhwanazi’s relationship with private companies.

Madlanga asked Mkhwanazi about the formalisation of the relationship between EMPD and private companies.

Madlanga: Commissioner Mkhwanazi you say that on 15 October 2021 there was no formal arrangement with any security company to assist the metro with the provision of security services. Am I correct you have said so.

Mkhwanazi: Yes.

Madlanga: So please listen to my next question. Had anything changed by the 16 October 2021? Or was the situation still the same? Had it changed yes or no?

Mkhwanazi : Yes