Former Ekurhuleni employee Xolani Nciza concluded his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, detailing how his 2023 suspension affected his family and church roles. He described accusations of fraud that led to a petition against his church positions and alleged misuse of police resources against him. The testimony focused on his involvement in the disciplinary hearing of EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Xolani Nciza, former head of employee relations at the City of Ekurhuleni, wrapped up his three-day testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on November 13, 2025. Suspended in September 2023 for his role in the disciplinary proceedings against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, Nciza explained the profound personal repercussions of the events.
Nciza's account centered on the fallout from Mkhwanazi's case, which involved allegations of unlawfully fitting blue lights on vehicles linked to attempted murder suspect Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. This soured his relationship with then-municipal manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi. In 2023, media coverage and official statements portrayed Nciza as lacking integrity, forcing his family to respond publicly.
The suspension extended beyond work, impacting his church life in the Anglican Church's Highveld Diocese. As a church warden and lay canon—an advisor to the bishop—Nciza faced a petition to remove him from ministerial positions. He stated: “A petition was then launched with the office of the Bishop of the Anglican Church in the Highveld Diosis seeking to remove me from all ministerial positions in the church. At the time I was a church warden in the parish and also a lay canon which is an advisor to the Bishop in the Anglican church so a petition premised on the notion that I have been dismissed on fraud and dishonesty.”
Nciza also alluded to the weaponization of EMPD resources post-suspension. He recounted an early-morning visit by six officers in three vehicles to retrieve his work laptop, suggesting an abuse of power. Responding to Commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi, he noted: “This time it was three vehicles? With six.. Each vehicle has two people inside it. There were three vehicles that came to my house at that time of the day.”
EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thipa is scheduled to testify on November 14, 2025.