Madlanga Commission | Caught on camera: Mkhwanazi declares 'I will take a bullet for you' to Mashazi
In the middle of the cheer, Julius Mkhwanazi, dressed casually in a white T-shirt, points at Dr Imogen Mashazi and declares: “We will die for you… I will take a bullet for you.”
Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL News
Despite their questionable relationship and claims that former Ekurhuleni city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, protected him against all odds, suspended EMPD acting chief, Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi was caught on camera vowing to “take a bullet” for her in a ceremony.
On Thursday, the Madlanga Commission played a video that showed Mashazi at what appears to be a Christmas party, surrounded by colleagues singing, clapping, and referring to her as “our mother who gave birth to us.”
In the middle of the cheer, Mkhwanazi, dressed casually in a white T-shirt, points at her and declares: “We will die for you… I will take a bullet for you.”
Mashazi responded, “Thank you so much”.
The video was provided by former Ekurhuleni HR head, Xolani Nciza who told the commission he obtained it from someone in 2024.
Nciza said the clip illustrated how Mkhwanazi’s loyalty lay not with the institution, but with the city manager herself.
“This is beyond an anomaly,” Nciza told the panel. “It means I am loyal to you — not to the municipality.”
However, Nciza confirmed this stemmed from a criminal investigation that had been launched following allegations that he lacked the necessary qualifications for his position. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.
According to Nciza, the complainant’s review of the matter reaffirmed the initial finding — that he did, in fact, possess the required qualifications.
During the proceedings, Co-Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned whether it was appropriate for a subordinate to tell their superior, “I would die for you.”
Nciza replied, “Absolutely not,” emphasising that such a statement would only be acceptable coming from a VIP protector.
“This goes far beyond an anomaly… It implies personal loyalty to an individual rather than to the institution itself,” he added.
The commission also heard that Mashazi allegedly shielded Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action and that officials in her inner circle were rewarded with salary increases of up to R600,000.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Mashazi and Mkhwanazi, was also testified by the former EMPD bosses, Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye and his former deputy, Revo Spies.
They also questioned the relationship.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics