The Labour Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Mescu Union on behalf of suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, seeking to interdict his disciplinary hearing.
Mkhwanazi and the union approached the court in an attempt to block internal proceedings initiated by the City of Ekurhuleni, arguing that the charges against him were unlawful.
He contended that the alleged misconduct, linked to his dealings with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, occurred under a previous employment contract which has since been terminated.
According to court papers, Mkhwanazi faces serious allegations, including the fraudulent registration of Matlala’s private vehicles under the municipality’s name and the alleged facilitation of blue lights being fitted to those vehicles.
However, the Labour Court found his arguments unconvincing.
In its ruling, the court emphasised that a change in employment contract or position does not remove an employer’s authority to take disciplinary action for past misconduct.
The court further stated that Mkhwanazi failed to demonstrate that the disciplinary process would be unlawful or unfair, effectively clearing the way for the City of Ekurhuleni to proceed with its internal hearing.
The ruling marks a significant development in a case that has drawn public attention due to its alleged links to criminal networks and the misuse of municipal resources.
The disciplinary process will now continue, with attention turning to the outcome and its potential implications for accountability within law enforcement structures.