Ekurhuleni ratepayers have now spent more than R1.27 million keeping suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi on the municipal payroll, as disciplinary proceedings against him continue to drag on.
The figure, R1 272 211, was disclosed by Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo in response to a parliamentary question.
Mkhwanazi has been on suspension since 11 November 2025, meaning the City has continued paying his salary and benefits while he remains away from his official duties.
The latest development has reignited questions about how long municipalities should continue carrying the financial burden of lengthy disciplinary processes involving senior officials.
A million-rand bill with no end date
According to the provincial government’s response, Mkhwanazi’s suspension has cost the City R1.27 million in salary, benefits and related expenses.
Importantly, the amount is not an additional cost for an acting deputy chief. The City confirmed that no official has been appointed to permanently act in Mkhwanazi’s position since his suspension, meaning there has been no additional acting allowance attached to the post.
But the salary bill continues.
The City has also indicated that it cannot provide a definitive date for the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings because four more witnesses still need to testify.
That leaves ratepayers facing an open-ended financial commitment while the process works its way through the municipal disciplinary system.
Two disciplinary matters still hanging over him
Mkhwanazi is facing two internal disciplinary processes.
One relates to the controversial blue-lights installation matter. According to the City, the hearing has sat on several occasions since February, with further proceedings scheduled.
A separate disciplinary hearing concerns the precious stones matter. That case has already dealt with preliminary objections and points in limine and is expected to proceed on its merits.
The City has stressed that the disciplinary process is governed by the applicable Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement.
Mkhwanazi’s suspension was initially described by the municipality as an administrative measure designed to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process, rather than a finding that he was guilty of misconduct.
His legal troubles have multiplied
The financial cost of the suspension comes against the backdrop of a growing number of criminal allegations involving the senior metro police officer.
Mkhwanazi has faced several arrests and criminal cases, including matters involving allegations of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice. He has also been implicated in evidence heard by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
In one of the cases, Mkhwanazi appeared alongside Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla in a corruption matter. The allegations against the accused remain before the courts and have not been proven.
Mkhwanazi has consistently maintained his innocence and has argued that he should not be forced to step aside simply because allegations have been made against him.
In July, his legal team told IOL that it would be “grossly unjust” to expect him to step aside while the criminal matters were still before the courts, stressing that he remains innocent until proven guilty.
DA turns up the pressure
The Democratic Alliance has now intensified its calls for Mkhwanazi to be removed from his position, arguing that the continued suspension and salary payments are unacceptable.
DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the municipality could no longer allow the disciplinary process to continue indefinitely while Mkhwanazi remained on full pay.
The party has also questioned the City’s handling of the disciplinary process and the continued employment of an official facing multiple criminal allegations.
The criticism comes after the DA previously raised concerns about disciplinary failures within the metro police department, including allegations that processes against senior officials had been delayed or frustrated.
City says due process must be followed
The City of Ekurhuleni, however, has maintained that disciplinary procedures must be followed in accordance with labour laws and municipal agreements.
When Mkhwanazi was suspended in November last year, City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the municipality was committed to clean governance and accountability.
“The City remains committed to fair, transparent, and procedurally compliant governance practices,” municipal spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said in a separate matter concerning disciplinary action within the municipality.
The City has also previously said Mkhwanazi’s suspension followed an internal audit investigation into allegations of misconduct.
At the time, Lerutla said the municipality would act on the findings of its investigations “without fear or favour”.
The bigger question: how long can ratepayers carry the cost?
The Mkhwanazi case now presents a broader governance dilemma for Ekurhuleni.
Suspension on full pay is intended to protect an investigation or disciplinary process where allowing an employee to remain in their position could potentially interfere with proceedings.
But when disciplinary hearings stretch over months, the financial consequences can become significant.
In Mkhwanazi’s case, the bill has already passed R1.27 million — and the City says it still cannot say when the disciplinary process will end.
For residents already demanding greater accountability and better use of municipal resources, the question is increasingly not only what happens to Mkhwanazi, but how long the City can afford to wait for an outcome.
Until the disciplinary and criminal processes are concluded, however, the allegations against Mkhwanazi remain allegations. A suspension is not a finding of guilt, and any criminal liability will ultimately be determined by the courts.
