Suspended City of Ekurhuleni legal services head Kemi Behari has reportedly been arrested shortly after his disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.
This marks a breakthrough in an investigation into allegations that Behari and other senior municipal officials shielded suspended EMPD acting chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, from disciplinary action.
Behari was reportedly arrested by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
His arrest comes months after the Madlanga Commission heard allegations that he failed to carry out a council resolution to institute disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi was implicated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) over the alleged unlawful approval of a fraudulent contract that gave a private security company linked to suspected underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala unauthorised access to police blue lights.
Evidence before the commission alleged that Behari failed to act on the findings for years, allowing Mkhwanazi to avoid disciplinary action.
The commission further heard allegations that Behari and a former human resources, head Linda Gxasheka, received irregular salary increases worth about R600,000 in exchange for their alleged loyalty in ensuring the disciplinary case disappeared.
Former municipal employee relations head Xolani Nciza also testified that disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi were abruptly halted in 2023.
However, Behari has denied the allegations, describing claims that he accepted a bribe as false and without foundation.
National police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe said the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team was conducting a takedown operation and would not say anything in the meantime.
“No further information will be provided until the operation has been concluded,” Mathe said.
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