Ekurhuleni municipal corruption probe

In early July 2026, South African authorities arrested Kemi Behari, the suspended head of legal services for the City of Ekurhuleni, after she testified to the Madlanga Commission that she had obstructed disciplinary action against EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. The commission alleged that Behari and other senior officials received sizable salary increases in exchange for dropping the case, which involved a contract granting a private security firm linked to a suspected underworld figure unauthorized police resources.

Later that day the investigation broadened, leading to the overnight arrests of four current and former municipal officials: Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, former city manager Imogen Mashazi, Behari herself, and former HR head Linda Gxashekawere. Law‑enforcement agencies said they were now examining procurement, financial transactions and possible abuse of public resources. The Democratic Alliance called for urgent action, accusing the municipality of prioritising the protection of individuals over institutional integrity.

On 8 July, Behari was taken into custody by the Political Killings Task Team shortly after a disciplinary hearing; she denied the bribery allegations and police said the operation remained ongoing.

On 26 July, Mkhwanazi, who had been suspended in November 2025, faced three criminal cases, two internal disciplinary hearings and a Madlanga Commission investigation. Allegations include staging a fake police raid to steal sugilite and manganese stones worth R14.9 million, fraud involving a R400 000 payment to impersonate city manager Kagiso Lerutla, possession of an illegal firearm and facilitating blue‑light approvals for private luxury vehicles tied to a crime boss. He claims the charges are politically motivated, has been granted bail, and is due back in court on 25 August 2026. Political parties and civil‑society groups are urging his permanent removal.