Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Chief Isaac Mapiyeye has revealed disturbing information about criminal activities allegedly involving members of a now-disbanded tactical unit. The shocking testimony emerged during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria....Click to Read More >>➤

Mapiyeye disclosed that at least five separate criminal cases have been filed against three officers who previously served in the department’s Special Weapons and Tactical unit. The suspended police chief provided this information while under oath during his commission appearance on Friday.

The accused officers all belonged to the controversial SWAT team previously commanded by acting EMPD head Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi. The testimony places renewed scrutiny on Mkhwanazi, who faces allegations of maintaining connections with tender businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently confronting criminal charges of his own.

Among the most serious allegations presented was a murder case under investigation. Mapiyeye informed the commission that this case relates to the 2022 killing of a man in Brakpan. According to the testimony, the victim’s body was subsequently recovered from a river by police authorities.

“These cases involve the criminal conduct of three members of EMPD, and they are from a former team, which was called SWAT, which was headed by Brigadier Mkhwanazi,” Mapiyeye stated during his commission appearance.

The revelations highlight ongoing challenges within the metropolitan police department and raise questions about oversight and accountability mechanisms within specialized units. The testimony before the commission represents a significant development in understanding the extent of alleged misconduct within the law enforcement agency.

The disbanded SWAT unit continues to face scrutiny as the commission investigates broader patterns of misconduct and alleged criminal behavior within the police department. These developments come amid ongoing efforts to reform and restructure the metropolitan police service.