Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been fired.
This is after internal disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi, who had, up until the decision, been on suspension since November last year, amid allegations of corruption and misconduct against him.
He is currently in police custody facing a string of criminal charges against him.
“With the duration of the criminal proceedings uncertain, the city also had to consider the EMPD’s urgent need for stable leadership, an active and visible command presence, and ethical leadership that strengthens organisational morale and public confidence,” the city said in a statement.
“The city further considered the repeated delays affecting the internal disciplinary proceedings, Mr Mkhwanazi’s continued court appearances and incarceration, and the exceptional circumstances that made the continuation of the employment relationship untenable”.
Earlier this week, Mkhwanazi was denied bail by the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in connection with a murder charge.
Mkhwanazi’s lawyer, Shafique Sarlie, stated that a notice of appeal has been served on the state and will be heard in the High Court. The defence says it has identified several errors and misdirections in the Brakpan court’s judgment.
Mkhwanazi and five co-accused were denied bail on Tuesday. The court found they failed to show exceptional circumstances warranting their release.
“We have today lodged, by way of serving on the state, a comprehensive notice of appeal where we, with respect, detect the magistrate’s inconsistencies and errors in what appears to be, at this stage, a 20-21 page document, the notice of appeal. We will, obviously (appeal), and we’ve reserved the rights to amend this as soon as the transcript of the proceedings become available,” explains Sarlie.
