Police have warned that more arrests remain a real possibility as four senior municipal officials face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice, following a case linked to blue lights saga in Ekurhuleni.
Former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi, suspended Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari, suspended Human Resources chief Linda Gxasheka and suspended EMPD acting chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Mkhwanazi and Behari were each granted R50,000 bail, while Mashazi and Gxasheka remained in custody after the court postponed their bail applications to Friday to allow authorities to verify their residential addresses.
Speaking after the court proceedings, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigations by the Commission Recommendations Task Team uncovered evidence suggesting the accused protected Mkhwanazi from disciplinary and criminal consequences following the unlawful registration of vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
“Our investigation found that an appointment card was also issued to Matlala to assist him in identifying himself as a law enforcement officer,” Mathe said.
She said investigators believe the registration of Matlala’s private vehicles as EMPD vehicles and the fitting of blue lights enabled him to continue alleged criminal activities while creating the impression that the vehicles belonged to law enforcement.
“The vehicles remained in Matlala’s possession and were fitted with blue lights. We believe this assisted him to evade law enforcement while continuing his activities,” Mathe said.
According to police, the alleged scheme was uncovered in February 2023 after enquiries exposed the unlawful registration of four private security vehicles under the EMPD.
Investigators allege Mkhwanazi later deregistered the vehicles after questions were raised.
Mathe said an internal investigation resulted in Mkhwanazi’s suspension, but Mashazi, Behari and Gxasheka allegedly intervened by lifting the suspension, shielding him from disciplinary action and frustrating a criminal investigation by ordering the withdrawal of a case.
Investigators also allege the officials later received salary increases that had not been approved by council.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the accused face fraud and corruption charges, particularly relating to promotions and appointments within the municipality.
“We hope this matter will be finalised as soon as possible because we do not want unnecessary delays from our side,” Kganyago said, praising the Commission Recommendations Task Team for its prosecution-guided investigation.
Mathe also issued a strong warning that additional arrests have not been ruled out.
“It is illegal for any civilian to fit or use blue lights on private vehicles. Anyone found doing so will face the full might of the law,” she said.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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