Suspended Ekurhuleni human resources head Linda Gxasheka testifying at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended Ekurhuleni head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka has denied blocking an investigation on controversial deputy metro police commissioner Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.
On Friday, Gxasheka told the Madlanga Commission that she did not stop the probe on Mkhwanazi, who is also on suspension.
She said she only became aware of the allegations against Mkhwanazi after a whistle-blower’s account.
Gxasheka told the commission investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, that Mkhwanazi’s disciplinary hearing has now commenced and is under way.
She added that Mkhwanazi has a case to answer.
In her evidence, Gxasheka stated that former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi put her under immense pressure not to suspend Mkhwanazi after serious misconduct accusations against him.
Gxasheka stated that she felt obliged to follow Mashazi’s instructions as her superior.
She added that Mashazi pressured her to permit Mkhwanazi's return to work, even while he was under investigation.
“She will allow you to debate but what she says must happen, must happen,” Gxasheka explained.
She said she would debate with Mashazi but she was firm on the implementation of an instruction. Gxasheka insisted that matters were debated but Mashazi’s position was always carried out.
“If there is an ultimate instruction given, you have to comply,” she said.
Gxasheka continued: “The process was frustrated and we could have done things better.”
She maintained that she had no reason to protect Mkhwanazi. Gxasheka said it was not appropriate for Mashazi to get involved in the disciplining of Mkhwanazi, adding that Mashazi should not have been involved in the matter.
Mashazi previously testified that Gxasheka, as allegedly relayed to her by suspended Ekurhuleni metro police chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, and legal and risk services head Advocate Kemi Behari, allegedly blocked Mkhwanazi’s suspension.
“All my attempts to discipline Mkhwanazi were frustrated by Mashazi, Gxasheka, and Behari. In fact, these attempts led me to be suspended on numerous occasions, culminating in disciplinary charges for alleged sexual harassment being levelled against me in November 2024,” Mapiyeye had told the inquiry last year.
Earlier on Friday, Gxasheka’s legal representatives attempted to get her testimony delayed until Monday due to documents being sent late on Thursday, but Justice Madlanga ruled that they were not voluminous enough to warrant a postponement.
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