Stop Funding Him, Fire Him: DA’s ultimatum to Ekurhuleni’s ANC mayor

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The Democratic Alliance has called on Ekurhuleni’s ANC Mayor to act against Julius Mkhwanazi, demanding his funding be halted and a dismissal motion tabled after repeated arrests.

The calls come after the arrest of the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) on Wednesday.

Mkhwanazi and four other suspects have been arrested related to the alleged murder of Immanuel Mbense in 2022, as well as for the disposal of his body in a river.

Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla were arrested in April on charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice related to a car accident involving the municipal manager.

In July, Mkhwanazi, along with three other individuals, faced similar charges pertaining to the Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala blue light incident.

Additionally, in the same month, Mkhwanazi and ‘Witness K’ were arrested for fraud and robbery linked to the 2023 theft of precious stones in Johannesburg.

According to Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, the recent arrest highlights the ongoing crisis plaguing the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

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

“How many more arrests will it take before the City stops paying Mkhwanazi and finally acts in the public interest?” she asked.

Rasilingwane expressed anticipation for the upcoming court appearance of the accused, indicating that this case is not a singular event but rather part of a recurring series of criminal allegations linked to Mkhwanazi.

Step towards cleaning up Ekurhuleni

She continued, “Public confidence in the justice system demands that accountability no longer be delayed.

“How many criminal allegations must pile up before the City finally finds the courage to act and end what has become a painful national embarrassment for Ekurhuleni?.

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“The fact that this is Mkhwanazi’s fourth arrest is so ridiculous that it would be hilarious were it not such a disgraceful failure of accountability.

“This is another step towards cleaning up Ekurhuleni. One by one, those who have undermined our City will be held accountable.”