The CoE has placed Advocate Kemi Behari, the department head of legal and risk services, on precautionary suspension with full remuneration.

The decision follows a council resolution on November 18 authorising Kagiso Lerutla, the city manager, to act under the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010.

Behari was allowed to submit written representations, which were carefully considered before the precautionary suspension was instituted. The city emphasised that this is neither a finding of guilt nor disciplinary action.

According to a CoE statement, the measure is interim, intended to protect the municipality’s interests and uphold good governance while internal processes continue.

No further details will be released, as the matter remains under investigation.