Ekurhuleni Legal Chief Suspended Amid EMPD Scandal

Ekurhuleni Legal Chief Suspended Amid Metro Police Controversy

The City of Ekurhuleni is facing another layer of scrutiny after Advocate Kemi Behari, the municipality’s Head of Legal and Risk Services, was placed on precautionary suspension with full pay. The move comes as allegations against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi continue to rock the city’s leadership.

Behari’s suspension, confirmed on Wednesday, was authorised under a council resolution allowing City Manager Kagiso Lerutla to act in line with the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers. Officials stressed that the suspension is procedural and does not imply any finding of guilt.

Allegations Against Mkhwanazi Spur Oversight Questions

The timing of Behari’s suspension, however, raises eyebrows. It follows claims that he failed to initiate disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi despite serious allegations highlighted during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Mkhwanazi, suspended on 11 November, has been implicated in a series of explosive accusations, including corruption, fraud, falsifying municipal agreements, and the unauthorised use of blue-light police equipment by private security firms. Witnesses also alleged he ran a rogue EMPD unit linked to violent crime, from hijackings to extortion and even murder.

Whistle-blowers reportedly had their concerns ignored or suppressed, prompting questions about whether senior officials, including the legal department, neglected their duty to oversee EMPD conduct effectively.

City Maintains Procedural Neutrality

While details of Behari’s suspension remain private, the city confirmed that he had the opportunity to submit written representations before the decision was made, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Disciplinary Regulations.

Phakamile Mbengashe, the city’s Head of Communications, emphasised that the suspension is part of a larger internal investigation, stating, “The City remains committed to fair, transparent, and procedurally compliant governance practices.”

Behari will continue to receive full pay throughout the investigation, though the spotlight on his department underscores the public’s growing concern over municipal oversight and accountability.

Public Reaction and Cultural Context

The Ekurhuleni EMPD saga has triggered widespread discussion on social media, with citizens questioning the integrity of municipal governance and the effectiveness of internal oversight. Many have highlighted the broader challenge of holding law enforcement accountable in South Africa, where allegations of rogue units and misuse of authority are unfortunately familiar in local contexts.

Some online commentators called for stronger consequences for officials who fail to act against misconduct, while others reminded the public that procedural fairness is essential to uphold justice.

As the city navigates this turbulent period, all eyes remain on the internal investigation and whether it will restore public confidence in Ekurhuleni’s legal and law enforcement frameworks.

{Source: IOL}

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