The suspension of Advocate Kemi Behari, Head of Legal and Risk Services for the City of Ekurhuleni, marks another escalation in a widening corruption probe involving the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). Announced on December 3, 2025, her precautionary suspension—with full pay—stems from allegations that she failed to initiate disciplinary proceedings against suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, despite recommendations from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). This follows a City Council resolution on November 18, 2025, empowering City Manager Kagiso Lerutla to act under senior manager disciplinary regulations. Behari was given an opportunity to submit representations, but the manager deemed suspension necessary to safeguard ongoing investigations.
The municipality’s statement emphasizes that this is not a guilt determination or formal disciplinary step, but an interim measure compliant with legal frameworks. Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been swift, with users highlighting the deepening fallout and calling for accountability in municipal governance.
Background on Julius Mkhwanazi’s Case
Mkhwanazi, suspended in recent weeks, faces multiple allegations of misconduct, including:
- Fraudulent Contract with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala: He is accused of binding EMPD to an unauthorized memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Matlala’s CAT VIP Protection and Medicare24 companies. This deal allegedly granted Matlala’s private vehicles illegal access to blue and red emergency lights reserved for law enforcement, enabling a “rogue grouping” to operate in uniform while committing crimes.
- IPID Probe (2023): The investigation concluded the MOU was fraudulent, with no mandate for Mkhwanazi to enter it. It recommended immediate disciplinary action, which was ignored for over two years—allegedly due to interference from Behari and others.
- Broader Implications: The scandal ties into the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry (chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga), probing criminality and corruption in South Africa’s justice system, as well as Parliament’s ad hoc committee. It also links to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s unrelated allegations against the national police leadership.
Mkhwanazi testified at the Madlanga Commission on December 3, 2025 (Wednesday), deflecting blame onto EMPD Chief Jabulani Mapiyeye, claiming Mapiyeye pushed for collaboration with Matlala. He also accused colleagues, including Mapiyeye, of fabricating evidence—such as a “fake” security plan for the 2021 State of the City Address—and sought to undermine their testimonies implicating him in a corrupt Matlala relationship. Earlier witnesses, like former Employee Relations Director Xolani Nciza and suspended EMPD Chief Mapiyeye, alleged that Behari, former City Manager Imogen Mashazi, and HR Head Linda Gxasheka obstructed Mkhwanazi’s suspensions (including a 2023 three-month one for registering private vehicles in municipal names) and pressured for charge withdrawals.
Mashazi, testifying on December 1, denied meddling but admitted relying on Behari’s opinion that the IPID report was “vague” and “insufficient,” without follow-up.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2023 | Mapiyeye attempts to suspend Mkhwanazi over Matlala blue lights; blocked by Mashazi, Behari, and Gxasheka. |
| 2023 | IPID issues report recommending discipline; no action taken for 2+ years. |
| November 2024 | Mapiyeye suspended amid harassment claims (allegedly retaliatory). |
| August 2025 | Internal audit commissioned on Mkhwanazi’s prior suspension. |
| November 7, 2025 | Mapiyeye testifies at Madlanga Commission on obstructions. |
| November 27, 2025 | Council debates suspending Behari and Gxasheka; delayed for process. |
| November 18, 2025 | Council resolution empowers suspensions. |
| December 1, 2025 | Mashazi testifies, implicates Behari’s advice. |
| December 3, 2025 | Mkhwanazi testifies; Behari suspended. |
| Ongoing | Proposal to suspend HR Head Linda Gxasheka. |