Ekurhuleni Municipality explains why Mkhwanazi was fired

Ekurhuleni Municipality explains why Mkhwanazi was fired Vusi.Bafetane Fri, 09/18/2026 - 16:00

JOHANNESBURG - Ekurhuleni Municipality said the decision to fire EMPD Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi follows a disciplinary process and a report from its HR department.

On Friday, the City announced that it cut ties with Mkhwanazi after ten months on suspension.

The municipality took into account Mkhwanazi’s multiple pending criminal cases, his continued incarceration after being denied bail, and the potential reputational risk to the City.

**READ: **Julius Mkhwanazi fired

"We can confirm as a City that the employment relationship with Mr. Julius Mkhwanazi has been terminated," said Ekurhuleni Municipality Head of Communications, Phakamile Mbengashe.

"The decision was taken after the City Manager received the report from the disciplinary committee and a comprehensive report from the HR department, which really cited that because of the multiple pending cases and currently that he was denied bail and is in incarceration, the process of the disciplinary wouldn't be able to proceed and would be an unknown time frame.

"There were also issues of reputational risk to the City, so the City Manager felt that it was important that we sever this relationship."