Nciza Accuses Former City Manager of Shielding EMPD Chief at Madlanga Commission
Viable News Team 
Johannesburg – Former Ekurhuleni human resources head, Xolani Nciza, has accused former city manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi of abusing her authority to protect Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended acting chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Nciza alleged that Mashazi intervened to prevent further disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi, who was implicated in the blue lights scandal. According to Nciza, when he sought to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension, Mashazi ordered him to “leave Mkhwanazi alone.”
Nciza claimed the city manager’s actions effectively undermined internal disciplinary procedures and shielded Mkhwanazi from accountability. Instead of facing consequences, he said, Mkhwanazi was later promoted with the backing of senior officials loyal to Mashazi.
The former HR boss further alleged that two city officials Linda Gasheka and Advocate Kemi Behari who had supported Mashazi’s directives, were rewarded with salary increases of about R600,000 each.
He described the pay raises as a “token of appreciation” from Mashazi, recalling her alleged words:
“You have ensured that my person is not touched. Here is the increase.”
Nciza told the commission that this pattern of rewarding compliance and punishing dissent had eroded internal governance and weakened accountability structures within the Ekurhuleni municipality.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony into allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power among the city’s senior administrators.
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