The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that its head of legal and risk services, Advocate Kemi Behari, has been placed on precautionary suspension with full salary amid alleged oversight failures.

Behari’s suspension comes after allegations that he failed to carry out disciplinary action against the now-suspended EMPD deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi was suspended last month following testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry, where witnesses linked him to alleged corruption, including the illegal use of EMPD blue-light equipment by a security company owned by controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

Also Read: WATCH: Ekurhuleni union members demand chance to testify on EMPD corruption

The city, however, did not reveal the specific reasons for Behari’s suspension. Instead, it said the measure is interim, intended to ensure the integrity of ongoing internal processes, protect the interests of the metro, and uphold principles of good governance.

The city’s head of communications, Phakamile Mbengashe, explained that the decision aligns with a recent council resolution, which delegated authority to the newly appointed city manager, Kagiso Lerutla, to act in terms of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010 (Government Notice 34213 of 21 April 2011).

“In line with Regulation 6(1) of the Disciplinary Regulations, the city manager considered whether a basis existed to implement a precautionary suspension. Advocate Behari was afforded an opportunity to provide written representations in accordance with Regulation 6(2),” explained Mbengashe.
“After careful consideration of these representations and the applicable legislative framework, the city manager resolved to institute a precautionary suspension.”

The City emphasised that this is not a finding of guilt, nor does it constitute disciplinary action.
Mbengashe added that no further details will be released at this stage, as the matter is now the subject of an internal investigation.

Also Read: Ekurhuleni mayor defends reappointment of CFO