The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed the precautionary suspension, with full pay, of its Head of Legal and Risk Services, Kemi Behari.
This follows reports that former EMPD chief Jabulani Mapiyeye previously told the Madlanga Judicial Commission that Behari, alongside former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi and HR head Linda Gxasheka, allegedly blocked attempts to discipline controversial acting police chief Julius Mkhwanazi, claims that painted Behari as part of a leadership cluster accused of shielding misconduct and undermining internal accountability.
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said the decision follows a Municipal Council resolution passed on 18 November 2025, granting the City Manager powers to act in line with the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers.
According to Mbengashe, City Manager Kagiso Lerutla assessed the matter under Regulation 6(1) and invited Adv. Behari to submit written representations before any action was taken.
“After carefully considering her representations and the legislative requirements, the City Manager resolved to implement a precautionary suspension,” Mbengashe said.
He added that the suspension strictly adheres to Regulation 6, particularly the provisions outlining how and when senior managers may be suspended, as well as the conditions governing such measures.
Mbengashe stressed that the suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt.
“It is an interim step to safeguard the integrity of internal processes, protect the municipality’s interests, and uphold good governance,” he said.
The city said no further information will be released at this stage, as the matter is now under internal investigation.
The Star
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