Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has told the Madlanga Commission that controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was considered for inclusion in a peace officer support programme and was never intended to perform frontline policing duties.
Mkhwanazi testified on Wednesday that Matlala’s proposed involvement was limited to assisting with traffic management and community-related functions, rather than any form of criminal investigation or law enforcement operations on the streets.
He explained that the municipality had explored a volunteer-based initiative aimed at easing pressure on the EMPD, particularly in areas such as traffic congestion, school safety, public events and large community gatherings. According to him, Matlala was among individuals considered for support roles within that framework.
The commissioner said the programme was designed to supplement limited municipal manpower and relied on volunteers who would not receive payment. He added that their responsibilities would focus on operational support tasks such as assisting with traffic lights and managing peak-hour movement around schools.
However, Mkhwanazi’s testimony faced sustained questioning from the commission regarding how Matlala, who has been linked to allegations of involvement in criminal networks, came to be associated with a structure that carries law enforcement authority.
Evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello SC noted that peace officers derive their powers from legislation and can exercise certain statutory functions similar to EMPD officers. Mkhwanazi acknowledged that peace officers do hold recognised legal powers under South African law.
The inquiry further probed a security clearance certificate linked to Matlala. Mkhwanazi confirmed that Matlala had obtained such a certificate and said it appeared to be valid, adding that background screening was intended to prevent individuals with criminal records from being deployed in community-facing roles.
Questions were raised, however, about the authenticity and verification process of the clearance document, particularly after it emerged that the certificate was provided by Mike van Wyk rather than Matlala himself.
Commission evidence leader Sello indicated that the commission would independently verify whether Matlala was ever formally appointed or recognised as a peace officer within the EMPD structure.
Mkhwanazi conceded that some procedural steps may not have been properly followed, but maintained that the municipality would be able to establish the full sequence of events.
The hearing also examined audio recordings and communications involving Van Wyk, the CEO of Medicare 24, which allegedly referenced attempts to obtain official peace officer documentation for individuals linked to the programme.
Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned why Mkhwanazi did not immediately clarify that the EMPD does not issue peace officer cards, noting inconsistencies in how the matter was handled during discussions.
Mkhwanazi responded that he had addressed the issue later directly with Van Wyk after initially taking a different approach.
The commission further explored the broader regulatory framework governing identification cards and credentials used by private security and law enforcement-adjacent personnel.
The proceedings are ongoing.
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