Julius Mkhwanazi among four arrested in Ekurhuleni corruption probe

Four people, including suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi, were arrested overnight in connection with an investigation into alleged fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice in Ekurhuleni. The suspects are due to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Who was arrested

The arrests followed an operation by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team. Those taken into custody include Mkhwanazi, suspended City of Ekurhuleni legal services head Kemi Behari, former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi and former human resources head Linda Gxasheka.

Related legal matters and bail

Mkhwanazi is already out on R30,000 bail in a separate matter linked to Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla. He is expected to join the other suspects in the dock for the new charges.

Evidence and testimony before the Madlanga Commission

The arrests come amid testimony at the Madlanga Commission in which witnesses alleged that Behari failed to act on findings against Mkhwanazi for years, allowing disciplinary proceedings to stall. The commission also heard that Behari and Gxasheka received irregular salary increases worth about R600,000 in exchange for allegedly ensuring Mkhwanazi’s disciplinary case disappeared.

Former municipal employee relations head Xolani Nciza testified that disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi was unexpectedly halted in 2023.

Denials

Behari has denied the allegations. In response to claims that he accepted a bribe, he said:

“[The claims are] false and without foundation.”

Next steps

The four arrested are scheduled to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court. The Commission’s Recommendations Task Team led the overnight operation that resulted in the arrests.