Suspended EMPD chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, has been accused of fitting blue lights to the vehicle belonging to Medicare24.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
WhatsApp chats have suggested that suspended EMPD chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi received alleged bribes, including Christmas money and even ostriches, in exchange for authorising blue lights on vehicles linked to Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk.
The claims emerged on Monday as the Madlanga Commission examined messages, voice notes and video footage allegedly detailing interactions between Mkhwanazi and Van Wyk over emergency blue-light privileges.
In one of the videos played before the commission, Van Wyk was allegedly seen waving bundles of cash while asking Mkhwanazi to resolve issues relating to the blue lights, suggesting that he would be rewarded for his assistance.
Chief evidence leader Adv. Matthew Chaskalson presented a series of WhatsApp messages in which Van Wyk sought Mkhwanaziās help in securing blue and red emergency lights for a newly acquired bakkie.
āWould I be able to put blue and red lights on it? I donāt want to drive with something and get arrested for impersonating a police officer,ā one message read.
Van Wyk also allegedly asked whether the vehicle could be registered on the EMPD fleet and carry EMPD markings.
The commission further heard evidence suggesting that Mkhwanazi signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) granting Medicare24 and security entities linked to alleged tycoon Vusimuzi āCatā Matlala access to emergency blue lights.
Text messages presented before the inquiry also indicated that Van Wyk allegedly proposed edits and wording for the agreements before they were finalised.
Van Wyk was expected to testify on Monday but did not appear.
His lawyer, Sandy du Plessis, told the commission that he had suffered panic attacks and had been admitted to a psychiatric facility.
The allegations remain under investigation and have yet to be tested in court.
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