A former acting deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, a businessman and a co-accused appeared in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Friday facing corruption and fraud charges linked to the alleged illegal use of blue lights on private security vehicles.
Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi, businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala and Christ Steyn face six counts of corruption, one count of fraud and one count of defeating the administration of justice. Matlala also appeared on behalf of three companies – CAT VIP Protection (Pty) Ltd, Medicare 24 (Pty) Ltd and Black AK Trading (Pty) Ltd – which are implicated in the matter.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the charges stem from investigations that began in February 2023 after the EMPD received a media enquiry regarding the alleged use of municipal vehicles by CAT VIP Protection, a private security company owned by Matlala.
Unauthorised memorandum of understanding
According to Kganyago, investigations revealed that Mkhwanazi, while acting as deputy chief of police, drafted a memorandum of understanding between the EMPD and CAT VIP Protection without the necessary municipal approval.
“The state alleges that Mkhwanazi and Steyn subsequently caused several vehicles belonging to CAT VIP Protection to be registered in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality fleet without proper authorisation, while falsely representing that a valid MOU existed between the parties,” Kganyago said.
The state further alleges that four of the vehicles were fitted with blue lights and sirens and were registered in the EMPD fleet. When internal and Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigations commenced, the accused allegedly facilitated the deregistration of the vehicles and their re-registration back to CAT VIP Protection.
Payments totalling R70 000 allegedly received
Kganyago said Mkhwanazi allegedly received payments totalling R70 000 from companies associated with Matlala in connection with the alleged unlawful registration of the vehicles and the issuing of EMPD peace officer appointment cards to Matlala and individuals associated with him, despite the prescribed legal processes not having been followed.
“The state further alleges that the accused falsely represented that they were authorised to enter into a binding memorandum of understanding with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and that individuals associated with CAT VIP Protection were entitled to receive EMPD peace officer appointment cards and training,” he said.
It is further alleged that while investigations were underway, the accused facilitated the reversal of the registration of four vehicles in an attempt to obstruct the investigations.
Bail outcomes and postponements
The court reserved judgment on Mkhwanazi’s bail application, taking into account his pending bail application in a separate case. Matlala elected to postpone his bail application, while Steyn was granted bail of R10 000.
The case was postponed to 14 September 2026 for Mkhwanazi, to allow the court to monitor the outcome of his pending bail hearing in a separate matter. Matlala and Steyn will return to court on nine October 2026 for further investigations.
Separately, Mkhwanazi also appeared in another case involving corruption and other charges against former Ekurhuleni senior officials, including Dr Imogen Mashazi and others. The case was postponed to nine October 2026 for the disclosure of the contents of the docket.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency and will continue to prosecute matters where there is sufficient evidence to hold those who abuse positions of authority and public resources accountable,” Kganyago said.
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