Madlanga Commission: Behari denies protecting corrupt officials within EMPD

Despite a barrage of questions at the Madlanga Inquiry, Ekurhuleni’s suspended head of legal, Kemi Behari, has strongly denied protecting corrupt officials within the metro’s police department.

On Monday, Behari appeared before the commission and responded to allegations that he shielded Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD)’s deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, from accountability.

ALSO READ:

Behari claims pressured into settling cases of two suspended Ekurhuleni senior officials

Suspended Ekurhuleni legal head denies R600k raise was bribe for shielding cops

Commissioner challenges decision not to extend senior official’s suspension

In February 2023, Mkhwanazi was suspended for allegedly fitting blue lights to cars belonging to suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

At the heart of the matter is Behari’s refusal to support extending the suspension of Mkhwanazi beyond three months.

When approached by Colonel Hennie Erasmus from EMPD’s Integrity and Standard Unit, Behari raised concerns with the case against Mkhwanazi, saying there were evidentiary gaps.

Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga put it to Behari that it was possible to extend Mkhwanazi’s suspension while giving Erasmus time to plug the identified gaps.

“Why put stumbling block after stumbling block without giving him solutions?” Madlanga asked.

“At the time, the solution was for me to say, ‘go and complete the investigations’,” Behari responded.

Behari said in hindsight, he should have supported the extension.

He continues on the witness stand on Tuesday.