Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been granted R10,000 bail in the case linked to the alleged unlawful installation of blue lights on private vehicles.
Despite securing bail in the so-called blue-lights case, Mkhwanazi will remain in custody while awaiting a separate bail judgment in the murder case involving businessman Emmanuel Mbense.
The blue-lights case centres on four luxury vehicles linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company. Investigators allege that two BMWs, a Mercedes-Benz and a Volkswagen were irregularly registered as City of Ekurhuleni vehicles and fitted with emergency blue lights.
Mkhwanazi is accused of unlawfully approving the installation of the lights. He has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations have yet to be tested at trial.
In the separate matter before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, Mkhwanazi and five co-accused face charges linked to the alleged abduction and murder of Mbense in 2022. The State is opposing their release on bail.
The outcome of that application will determine whether Mkhwanazi can leave custody after paying the R10,000 bail granted in the blue-lights matter.
