Kemi Behari Among Four Arrested As Madlanga Commission Probe Leads To Ekurhuleni Crackdown

Four suspects, including suspended Ekurhuleni head of legal services Kemi Behari, have been arrested in connection with investigations stemming from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The arrests were carried out during an overnight operation across Johannesburg. All four are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the operation targeted current and former officials linked to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Investigators acted on recommendations made by the Madlanga Commission following its probe into allegations of corruption, abuse of power and misconduct within the municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

Madlanga Commission Arrests Target Current And Former Ekurhuleni Officials

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspects were arrested by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team during coordinated operations in different parts of Johannesburg.

“Those arrested include current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality,” Mathe said.

She confirmed that all four suspects are due to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

“The SAPS will provide further details once the suspects have appeared in court,” she said.

Reports indicate that former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi had also been instructed to present herself to investigators on Wednesday.

Kemi Behari Arrest Follows Allegations Heard By Madlanga Commission

The latest arrests came only hours after Behari was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon shortly after attending his disciplinary hearing. According to reports, members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) carried out his arrest.

The Madlanga Commission previously heard allegations that Behari and former city manager Imogen Mashazi shielded suspended EMPD acting chief commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action.

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The allegations relate to claims that Mkhwanazi authorised the fitting of blue lights to vehicles belonging to businessman and alleged cartel figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala in 2022.

The inquiry also heard allegations that Behari and former head of human resources Linda Gxasheka received irregular salary increases worth approximately R600,000 in return for allegedly helping to prevent disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi.

Former municipal employee relations head Xolani Nciza testified before the commission that disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi were unexpectedly halted in 2023. Behari has denied the allegations.

Madlanga Commission Findings Spark Wider Criminal Investigation

The Madlanga Commission’s findings extended beyond the allegations involving Mashazi. The commission recommended that criminal investigations be launched into several current and former municipal and EMPD officials after identifying evidence that warranted further investigation.

Mashazi previously appeared before the commission to respond to allegations that she protected Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action. She also faced questions over an alleged R3.5 million private jet trip to London in 2022, reportedly funded by companies that had benefited from municipal tenders awarded by the City of Ekurhuleni.

According to reports, the remaining suspects arrested include a former senior Ekurhuleni law enforcement official and a senior manager who previously testified before the Madlanga Commission.