Former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi testified at the Madlanga Commission on December 1, 2025, admitting she did little to address reports of rape and sexual harassment by metro police officers. She implicated suspended chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye in coercing subordinates and detailed failures to discipline deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi over unlawful contracts. The commission criticized her inaction despite direct reports from victims.
On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Madlanga Commission heard testimony from retired Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, 65, revealing systemic failures in addressing sexual abuse within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). Mashazi acknowledged allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and coercion dating back to 2016, when victims reported them directly to her. However, she described these as hearsay without formal complaints, claiming her hands were tied and limiting her response to an empowerment programme for women officers to prevent exploitation.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged this, stating Mashazi had 'done absolutely nothing' and sat with 'folded arms' while abuses persisted. Under scrutiny, Mashazi conceded the programme was insufficient. She implicated EMPD chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye, suspended in November, in fathering multiple children with vulnerable subordinates through harassment, coercion, and rape. Two female officers, allegedly raped and impregnated, are prepared to testify in camera. Mashazi noted Mapiyeye referred to such women as 'amangelosi' (angels) and promoted them, calling the practice widespread in the department. She also mentioned two unreported drunk-driving incidents involving Mapiyeye.
Commissioner Sesi Baloyi highlighted Mashazi's authority to investigate as municipal manager, yet she launched none, waiting for formal complaints. Madlanga emphasized that direct reports from affected women negated any hearsay claim.
The testimony shifted to corruption, focusing on suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi's role in unlawful memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed in October 2021 with Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala's CAT VIP Protection Services and Medicare 24. An IPID report recommended disciplining Mkhwanazi for these illegal agreements and fitting blue police lights on private vehicles, but Mashazi claimed ignorance, referring the report to legal and the chief of police. She said the legal head deemed it incomplete, suggesting an internal probe instead. Former employee relations head Xolani Nciza testified earlier that Mashazi obstructed Mkhwanazi's suspension extension on May 23, 2023, saying, 'You guys hate Julius, leave him alone.'
Mashazi is set to return Tuesday, followed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at 14:00, who faces allegations of ties to Matlala. The commission aims to conclude public hearings by December 5, 2025, for an interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by December 17.