WATCH | Nciza claims City Manager shielded EMPD's Mkhwanazi | Madlanga Commission

Former Ekurhuleni HR Boss Xolani Nciza has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi abused her powers to protect the suspended EMPD acting chief, Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi.

Nciza resumed his testimony this week, saying Mashazi instructed him to “leave Mkhwanazi alone” after he attempted to extend the officer’s suspension linked to the blue lights scandal.

He said the city manager’s actions undermined disciplinary procedures and protected Mkhwanazi from accountability.

According to Nciza, instead of being disciplined, Mkhwanazi was promoted by senior officials loyal to Mashazi.

He told the commission that two city officials, Linda Gasheka and Advocate Kemi Behari, who supported Mashazi’s directives, later received salary increases of about R600,000 each.

Nciza described the salary hikes as a “token of appreciation” for aligning with Mashazi’s instructions.

“You have ensured that my person is not touched. Here is the increase,” he recalled her saying.

He added that the pattern of rewarding compliance and punishing dissent had weakened internal governance and accountability in the city.

The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence into alleged misconduct, corruption and abuse of authority within the Ekurhuleni municipality’s senior administration.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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