Mashazi appointed Gcwabe as Deputy Chief of Metro Police: Security and Loss Control even though he held only a National Diploma in Policing and crime prevention certificates, falling short of the minimum requirement for the position.
The improper appointment matters because the role carried significant responsibility and a salary package between R1.6 million and R1.9 million annually. Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka determined that Mashazi, as accounting officer, violated proper conduct standards by proceeding with the hiring despite the qualification gap.
The Public Protector's investigation, released Thursday, revealed that although the municipality verified Gcwabe's qualifications through a private service provider before the appointment, that verification proved inadequate. The finding came after a complaint filed on August 23, 2023, by Vukile Mlungwana on behalf of the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union.
Mashazi, who was arrested in July and released on R50,000 bail, faces charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. She has also appeared before the Madlanga Commission over allegations of abuse of power and protecting senior Ekurhuleni officials from accountability. The Public Protector noted that remedial action cannot be taken since Mashazi is no longer employed by the city.