Ekurhuleni mayor confirms dismissal of three senior officials after misconduct findings

The City of Ekurhuleni has dismissed three senior officials after disciplinary processes found misconduct linked to ICT mismanagement, irregular salary adjustments and revelations heard at the Madlanga Commission, mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed on Friday.

Who was dismissed and why

The officials removed are Advocate Khemraj ‘Kemi’ Behari, head of Legal and Risk Services; Linda Gxasheka, head of Human Resources; and Moloko Monyepao, chief information officer. The mayor said the dismissals followed separate processes that reached their conclusions at council.

Madlanga Commission and salary irregularities

Behari and Gxasheka were placed on precautionary suspension in December 2025 after allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission. The commission heard claims that the two shielded suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi from accountability over allegations he provided blue lights to businessperson Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala through a fraudulent memorandum of agreement.

Testimony in November 2025 from former Ekurhuleni employee relations head Xolani Nciza alleged that disciplinary charges against Mkhwanazi were abruptly halted on or around 20 February 2023 following pressure from then city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, and that Behari and Gxasheka were later rewarded with substantial salary increases for their role in stopping the disciplinary process. Behari rejected those claims, describing them as “false, damaging and unsupported by evidence.”

The commission also heard an allegation that Behari received a R600,000 salary increase described in testimony as a “loyalty bonus.” Both Behari and Gxasheka denied the allegations. The mayor said arrests had been made in connection with alleged irregular salary adjustments that were implemented without council approval.

ICT failings and revenue loss

Monyepao was suspended after a council resolution in March 2025 over allegations of serious ICT mismanagement. The allegations included financial losses linked to inaccurate billing systems, interim meter readings, account manipulation, insufficient administrative oversight and poor management of business systems. The city reportedly dismissed her over alleged negligence that contributed to a R2 billion revenue loss suffered by the metro.

Council response and consequence management

Speaking on the sidelines of a council meeting, Mayor Xhakaza confirmed the dismissals and said the council was satisfied the processes had concluded. He told Newzroom Afrika:

“I think we can indeed confirm. Council is still in session, and I’m sure we will have an organised media briefing so that we can take the people of Ekurhuleni through the details of the reports before council.”

He added:

“We are happy that the council has finally resolved to put an end to some of these processes. You would know that we took a decision to suspend some of these officials.”

Xhakaza framed the outcome as part of the council’s approach to accountability:

“We’ve emphasised it: consequence management is what our communities want. If you are caught doing the wrong thing, we should ensure that you are dealt with decisively, without fear or favour.”

Ongoing matters involving Brigadier Mkhwanazi

The mayor also addressed the disciplinary and legal processes involving suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi was suspended by the metro on 11 November 2025 following internal audit recommendations and continues to face criminal charges, two disciplinary inquiries and an ongoing investigation by the Madlanga Commission. Xhakaza said senior management was handling those matters and the city would provide a fuller account once council proceedings had concluded.