Mashazi Says “Blue Lights” Officer Must Be Held Accountable

Former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi says brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi must be held accountable for his alleged role in securing blue light privileges for tenderpreneur Vusimuzi Matlala. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Mashazi said she did not shield the officer and acted only on legal advice after an IPID report flagged irregular vehicle registrations.

The commission heard that Mkhwanazi allegedly facilitated the registration of Matlala’s private security vehicles as municipal assets, enabling them to operate with blue lights. Mashazi told the inquiry that such conduct undermined lawful policing and that any wrongdoing must be dealt with through proper disciplinary and criminal processes.