Ekurhuleni city council debating proposal to suspend 2 senior officials implicated in Madlanga Commission

The Ekurhuleni city council is meeting behind closed doors on Thursday to debate a proposal to suspend two senior officials implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The head of legal services, Kemi Behari, and the head of human resources, Linda Gxasheka, are accused of protecting suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, from facing accountability.

A 2023 report by police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), recommended disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi for allegedly entering the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) into a corrupt contract with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala’s private security company.

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Testifying before the Madlanga Commission earlier in November, former Ekurhuleni employee relations director, Xolani Nciza, claimed the head of HR delayed Mkhwanazi’s suspension.

Last week, the Ekurhuleni city council attempted to debate the mayor’s proposal to suspend head of HR, Linda Gxasheka, and head of legal services, Kemi Behari.

But insiders said the reports submitted to the council were incomplete, preventing councillors from proceeding with a vote.

It’s understood the city had not given either official the chance to make written representations to the city manager explaining why they should not be suspended.

Those steps will now have to be redone during Thursday’s council meeting, allowing the proper process to be followed before debating their possible suspension.

However, the council remains divided, with some arguing the officials must be suspended, while others insist the move is politically motivated.