Top cop, who has been arrested 4 times, including for murder, still receives a full taxpayer-funded salary

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi continues to receive a full taxpayer-funded salary.

What makes the situation worse is that he has been arrested four times, including in connection with a 2022 murder and the disposal of the body.

Mkhwanazi became the centre of attention after being suspended in November 2025 following explosive revelations before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The Madlanga Commission a judicial probe into corruption, political interference, and organised crime within law enforcement.

Mkhwanazi allegedly ran a rogue unit within the EMPD’s Specialised Services division implicated in extortion, truck hijackings, copper theft, and violence.

Former EMPD officials testified that he authorised over 50 unvetted promotions within a three-month period, bypassing standard administrative procedures.

He now faces a series of criminal prosecutions led by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and special task teams.

These include the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense, a R14.9 million precious stones heist, municipal corruption and fraud, and a court impersonation scheme.

Mkhwanazi has denied all charges. However, this did not stop many stakeholders from calling for his dismissal.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) urged the Ekurhuleni Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, to bring a motion to have him fired.

“It is unacceptable that Mkhwanazi, who has been arrested for the fourth time on serious criminal allegations, continues to receive a full taxpayer-funded salary,” it said.

“This is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of repeated criminal allegations involving Mkhwanazi.”

The DA said that public confidence in the justice system demands that accountability no longer be delayed.