Berliner Tageszeitung - Mkhwanazi and Former Ekurhuleni Officials to Face Court Over Blue Lights Scandal

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Mkhwanazi and Former Ekurhuleni Officials to Face Court Over Blue Lights Scandal

POLITICS 13.11.2026

Mkhwanazi and Former Ekurhuleni Officials to Face Court Over Blue Lights Scandal

Former Ekurhuleni metropolitan police department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and three former senior municipal officials are set to stand trial in the regional court on February 25, 2027. The case centers on allegations that the group facilitated the installation of unauthorized blue lights on vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala through fraudulent agreements.

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Former Ekurhuleni metropolitan police department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and three former senior municipal officials are scheduled to appear in the regional court on February 25, 2027, in connection with the Ekurhuleni blue lights scandal.

Mkhwanazi appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Friday alongside former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi, former head of human resources Linda Gxasheka, and former head of legal services Khemraj "Kemi" Behari. The matter was previously postponed on November 6 to allow defense teams to confirm receipt of the full case docket. During Friday’s proceedings, the defense confirmed receipt of the material, though further particulars may still be requested.

The prosecution alleges that the three former municipal officials helped shield Mkhwanazi from internal disciplinary action after he allegedly facilitated the fitting of blue lights to vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala through a fraudulent memorandum of agreement. The state claims that disciplinary processes against Mkhwanazi were frustrated despite recommendations for action. The case also involves allegations of irregular salary adjustments involving municipal officials.

During the proceedings, Behari sought access to seized cellphones and a relaxation of his bail conditions to communicate with certain municipal officials. Gxasheka raised issues relating to her employment dispute and UIF payments, seeking permission to engage with relevant municipal officials. Her bargaining council matter is scheduled for December 1.

Mkhwanazi is also pursuing legal action in the Labour Court following his dismissal from the EMPD. The four face charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The matter is set to move to the regional court when it returns on February 25, 2027.

The proceedings are separate from another case involving Mkhwanazi, Matlala and Ekurhuleni fleet manager Chris Steyn. That matter, which relates to allegations surrounding the fitting of blue lights and sirens to vehicles linked to Matlala, is scheduled to return to court on January 29, 2027.

O. Joergensen--BTZ

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