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Women pay for leadership failures
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Women pay for leadership failures

In the City of Ekurhuleni, at least nine women have been killed, leading to a temporary city lockdown as authorities investigate the incidents. Political parties blame systemic failures, including poor leadership, ineffective policing, and corruption, for creating an environment where such crimes occur. The Madlanga Commission has implicated police officers in murder, extortion, and corruption, with Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi linked to underworld figures. A serial rapist received a severe sentence in 2024, while other cases, including the rape and murder of a young girl and the brutal killing of a four-year-old, highlight ongoing violence. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Nkululeko Dunga attributes these crimes to leadership and policing failures, criticizing the lack of accountability within the police force and the broader state apparatus.

The City of Ekurhuleni on Friday, 18 September, terminated the employment of Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi following a series of criminal investigations and scrutiny by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mkhwanazi, who oversaw operations and specialised services at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), was suspended on 11 November 2025 due to an internal audit investigation into misconduct allegations. His dismissal followed a thorough review of disciplinary procedures, ongoing criminal cases, and evidence presented during the commission’s inquiry. Mkhwanazi appeared in court alongside co-accused Keisha-Leigh Stols, Adrian Mackenzie, and Kgomotso Makhuba on Friday, 18 September, in connection with the 2023 alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14 million. This marks one of five criminal cases pending against him. The City cited the gravity of these allegations, along with the findings of the Madlanga Commission, in its decision to end his tenure. The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been examining claims of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. On the day of Mkhwanazi’s firing, Madlanga issued a stark warning that the evidence before the commission suggested deep-seated infiltration of state institutions by criminal elements. Testimony before the commission revealed multiple allegations against Mkhwanazi, including involvement in an unlawful memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the EMPD and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s protection company, CAT VIP Protection Services. In November 2025, suspended EMPD Chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye testified that the MOU was fraudulent and that Mkhwanazi lacked the authority to enter such agreements on behalf of the City. Mkhwanazi’s legal troubles extended beyond the commission. He and five co-accused were denied bail in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 15 September, in a murder case involving the killing of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. The accused include former EMPD official Stols, suspended EMPD officer Mackenzie, private security company owner Cobus Janse van Rensburg, and police officers Bhekokwakhe Sibande and Juan Maree Eksteen. The murder case is linked to the commission’s investigation, with Mkhwanazi coming under renewed scrutiny following the killing of anonymous witness “Witness D,” Marius van der Merwe, who died on 5 December 2025 after providing testimony to the commission. Further complications arose in November 2025 when additional damaging evidence surfaced regarding Mkhwanazi. The City leadership considered his prolonged detention in the murder case and the potential delay in concluding internal disciplinary actions. Mkhwanazi was granted R10,000 bail in a recent corruption case but remains incarcerated pending another bail hearing related to the Mbense murder.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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Daily Maverick logoDaily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 60
AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Five criminal cases later, Ekurhuleni fires Julius Mkhwanazi

The City of Ekurhuleni has terminated the employment of Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi following multiple criminal investigations and allegations of misconduct. His dismissal follows a suspension in November 2025 due to an internal audit and ongoing scrutiny from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which examines corruption and criminality in the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi is involved in five criminal cases, including a 2023 theft of R14 million in precious stones and a murder charge where he and others were denied bail. Testimonies from the commission suggest potential fraud and unauthorized agreements between the police department and private security firms. The timing of his firing coincides with the first anniversary of the commission's launch, highlighting systemic issues within the police force.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments regarding Mkhwanazi's legal and professional status without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. While the subject involves high-level governance and law enforcement accountability, the framing remains objective, citing official actions and court-mo

Why factuality (65): The article accurately reports the suspension of Julius Mkhwanazi on 11 November 2025 following an internal audit, aligning with the primary source. However, it incorrectly states the date of the suspension as occurring on 18 September, which contradicts the primary document stating the suspension w

Why objectivity (60): The article uses emotionally charged language like 'pulling the plug on the tenure,' 'shocking and deeply concerning,' and references the 'first anniversary of the Madlanga Commission' with a dramatic tone. These phrases suggest bias and editorializing rather than presenting facts neutrally.

Mail & Guardian logoMail & GuardianIndependentProgressiveFactual 40Objective 35
Women pay for leadership failures

In the City of Ekurhuleni, at least nine women have been killed, leading to a temporary city lockdown as authorities investigate the incidents. Political parties blame systemic failures, including poor leadership, ineffective policing, and corruption, for creating an environment where such crimes occur. The Madlanga Commission has implicated police officers in murder, extortion, and corruption, with Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi linked to underworld figures. A serial rapist received a severe sentence in 2024, while other cases, including the rape and murder of a young girl and the brutal killing of a four-year-old, highlight ongoing violence. Economic Freedom Fighters leader Nkululeko Dunga attributes these crimes to leadership and policing failures, criticizing the lack of accountability within the police force and the broader state apparatus.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as stemming from systemic failures in governance and policing, which are attributed to political and administrative neglect. It highlights the role of corrupt officials and the lack of accountability within the state, aligning with left-wing critiques of institutional腐败和

Why factuality (40): The article contains numerous inaccuracies and fabrications not supported by the primary source. It falsely claims that 'at least nine women have been discovered' in Ekurhuleni, introduces unrelated crimes such as the 2024 case involving Nkosinathi Phakathi, and incorrectly links Julius Mkhwanazi to

Why objectivity (35): The article exhibits strong bias and sensationalism, using emotive language such as 'killing of women,' 'temporary lockdown,' and 'bodies being dumped everywhere.' It frames the situation as a crisis caused by police failures and lacks neutrality, clearly favoring a particular narrative over objecti

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