By Mapaballo Borotho

- Medicare24 Group CEO Mike Van Wyk is expected to testify before the commission investigating allegations of corruption and criminality linked to the EMPD.
- His testimony is expected to focus on claims that he and alleged criminal Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala were authorised to use blue lights by suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
- Van Wyk is also expected to address WhatsApp messages presented to the commission and a video in which he is allegedly seen holding a large amount of cash.
A new witness is set to expose allegations of criminality and corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
The witness is Medicare24 Group CEO Mike Van Wyk. Medicare24 has been at the centre of allegations involving corrupt police officers and the fraudulent awarding of tenders.
Van Wyk’s testimony is expected to focus on the authorisation he and alleged criminal Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala reportedly received to use blue lights.
The commission has heard allegations that the two businessmen were granted permission by suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Van Wyk is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the authorisation and his interactions with Mkhwanazi.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi insisted that he had no authority to grant permission for the use of blue lights, warning that doing so would amount to “sending himself to jail”.
However, WhatsApp exchanges presented before the commission indicate that Mkhwanazi signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Mike Van Wyk and Vusimuzi Matlala to use blue lights.
When questioned about these conversations, Mkhwanazi shifted the blame to Van Wyk.
He claimed that the Medicare24 boss initiated discussions about blue lights in an attempt to pressure him into “creating magic”.
Van Wyk is also expected to explain a video he allegedly sent to Mkhwanazi in which he is seen holding a large amount of cash.
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