Four current and former Ekurhuleni officials arrested after takedown operation

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said four suspects, including current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, were arrested overnight in a takedown operation across Johannesburg. The arrests are linked to recommendations from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct at the municipality and its metro police service.

Raids and arrests

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the arrests were carried out by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team during an operation in various parts of Johannesburg.

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

Mathe said the suspects are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

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

she added.

Connection to the Madlanga Commission

The arrests follow recommendations from the Madlanga Commission, which investigated allegations of corruption, abuse of power and misconduct within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the municipality. The commission’s findings recommended criminal investigations into several current and former metro and EMPD officials after uncovering evidence requiring further probing.

Individuals named in reporting

Reports said the group arrested includes suspended head of legal services Kemi Behari. The latest takedown came hours after Behari was reportedly arrested on Wednesday afternoon following his disciplinary hearing; that earlier arrest was said to have been carried out by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

The reports also said former city manager Imogen Mashazi had been instructed to present herself to investigators on Wednesday. Mashazi previously appeared before the Madlanga Commission and faced allegations including claims that she protected suspended EMPD acting chief commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action, and that she took a private jet trip to London in 2022 funded by companies that benefited from municipal tenders.

Allegations raised at the inquiry

The commission heard allegations that Behari and Mashazi protected Mkhwanazi from disciplinary proceedings linked to claims he fitted blue lights to vehicles connected to a businessman named in reporting. The commission also heard allegations that Behari and a former human resources head received irregular salary increases, reported to total about R600,000, allegedly in exchange for ensuring disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi did not proceed. Behari has denied those allegations, according to reporting.

What happens next

The SAPS said further details would be provided after the suspects appear in court. The commission’s recommendations continue to form the basis for criminal investigations into actions by current and former Ekurhuleni and EMPD officials, according to reporting.