DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane described the arrests as the result of sustained pressure from various stakeholders, including whistleblowers, the media and investigative bodies.

Former City of Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi is expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court today following her arrest, alongside the municipality’s suspended head of legal, Kemi Behari.

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“These arrests are a result of sustained efforts at accountability by multiple actors, including the Madlanga Commission, the press, whistleblowers and the DA, as we have been building our criminal case against Mashazi for months,” Rasilingwane said.

The DA said it submitted additional whistleblower information yesterday to supplement its criminal case against Mashazi, further strengthening its call for action.

Mashazi, who once held one of the most powerful administrative positions in the city, is alleged to have been involved in corruption, maladministration and efforts to obstruct accountability processes within the municipality.

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Rasilingwane said Mashazi was perceived as “untouchable” within the corridors of power.

“She is neither untouchable nor above the law. We look forward to seeing her in the accused’s dock. She has a lot to answer for,” she said.

The DA has called on law enforcement agencies to continue pursuing all individuals implicated in wrongdoing, emphasising the need for action “without fear or favour” wherever credible evidence exists.

The party said the arrests should mark the beginning, not the end, of efforts to root out corruption in Ekurhuleni.

“The fight to clean up Ekurhuleni has just started, and the corrupt cannot hide anymore,” Rasilingwane said.