Mkhwanazi defends use of Matlala’s security firm during city threat alert

Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi says he turned to Vusimuzi Matlala’s private security company because the city faced a credible threat ahead of the state of the city address. He told the Madlanga Commission he believed the support would help officers manage the event without cost to the municipality.

Matlala’s firm, CAT VIP Security, has been at the centre of allegations that the Ekurhuleni metro police improperly outsourced policing functions. Mkhwanazi said he relied on intelligence that a political party planned to disrupt the event and that CAT VIP could supply skilled operatives. He said the company offered its services at no charge as part of what he understood to be a marketing strategy.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the metro police and the company. The agreement allowed CAT VIP to assist with VIP protection, first response for injured officers and logistical support through vehicles that would be registered as metro police resources. It also made provision for red and blue lights to be fitted to the vehicles even though such lights are reserved for official police work.

Under questioning Mkhwanazi admitted he had not vetted staff or checked whether the scope of the agreement aligned with the law. At first he denied knowing the memo allowed the fitting of blue lights but later accepted that he had signed it and should have exercised more caution.

The commission has heard from former officials that the arrangement blurred the line between policing and private security. They described the 2021 agreement as an unlawful attempt to give a private firm powers it could not legally hold. Previous testimony alleged that the company was positioned to respond to crime scenes and assist with arrests, which raised concerns about oversight, accountability and the integrity of policing functions.

Mkhwanazi maintained that the decision was made under pressure, during a period when the metro lacked resources and the threat environment demanded additional support. He insisted that no money was paid and that the services were used only as backup.

The commission will now consider whether his conduct breached municipal governance standards and whether the agreement amounted to an improper delegation of policing powers.