The City of Ekurhuleni has escalated disciplinary action against two senior officials implicated in alleged corruption linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, placing them on full suspension as investigations continue.

Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed on February 16 that the municipality’s Head of Legal Services and Risk, Kemi Behari, and Head of Human Resources, Linda Qxasheka, have had their precautionary suspensions upgraded to full suspensions.

The pair were initially suspended in December over their alleged roles in corruption involving the metro’s police department.

According to the mayor, both officials have now been served with charge sheets outlining the allegations against them and are expected to appear before a disciplinary committee in due course.

Allegations linked to EMPD accountability

Behari and Qxasheka were named during proceedings of the Madlanga Commission and referenced in its interim report, which recommended further investigation.

Witnesses accused the pair of shielding Deputy Chief of Police Julius Mkhwanazi of the EMPD from accountability.

Behari appeared before the commission last week, denying that she received any financial benefit for allegedly protecting Mkhwanazi or interfering in disciplinary processes against the suspended deputy chief.

Additional charges and court setback

The municipality’s Chief Information Officer, Moloko Monyepao, remains on precautionary suspension over alleged billing irregularities estimated to have cost the city around R2b.

Monyepao returned to court on February 16 to seek an interdict against a pending disciplinary process, but the application was dismissed with costs.

The city noted that this marked his fourth unsuccessful legal challenge, each resulting in an adverse cost order.
Xhakaza further confirmed that Mkhwanazi is set to face additional charges after being served with a supplementary charge sheet.

“All processes are being conducted in line with established legislative and labour relations procedures to ensure fairness, due process, and compliance,” said Xhakaza.

“This outcome reinforces our renewal agenda, which seeks to restore institutional integrity, strengthen governance systems, and safeguard public resources.”

He added that the municipality is focused on building an ethical administration capable of restoring public confidence through consistent and lawful action.

EMPD vetting drive

The Madlanga Commission previously heard that more than 300 EMPD officers had criminal records or were awaiting trial on serious charges.

As of 2022, 38 officers were awaiting trial, including 15 for murder, 15 for fraud and eight for robbery.
Xhakaza confirmed that a force-wide vetting process will be undertaken to professionalise the institution and tighten internal compliance.

“The vetting of EMPD officers is a critical step in strengthening governance systems, promoting ethical conduct, and ensuring that our law enforcement agencies operate beyond reproach,” the mayor concluded.

The developments form part of the city’s broader governance reform agenda as it seeks to address allegations of misconduct and rebuild trust in municipal institutions.