Ekurhuleni Legal Head Suspended Amidst Police Chief Scandal
In a dramatic turn of events, the City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its head of legal and risk, Advocate Kemi Behari, with full pay. This decision follows allegations made at the Madlanga Commission, implicating Behari in the protection of controversial Ekurhuleni police chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.
The suspension, confirmed in a statement released by the City on Wednesday, stems from a council resolution passed on 18 November. City Manager Kagiso Lerutla made the call after providing Behari with the opportunity to submit written representations regarding the allegations.
Mkhwanazi, currently under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission, is alleged to be a key figure within Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s criminal network. These serious allegations have cast a long shadow over the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and raised concerns about potential corruption within the municipality.
The City's official statement sought to clarify the nature of the suspension, stating: "The City emphasises that this is not a finding of guilt, nor does it constitute disciplinary action. It is an interim measure intended to ensure the integrity of ongoing internal processes, protect the interests of the municipality, and uphold principles of good governance."
Despite repeated attempts to obtain further information from City spokespeople, they declined to comment beyond the official statement. "No further details will be provided at this stage, as the matter is now the subject of an internal investigation," the statement read, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union has responded positively to the precautionary suspension. The union stated that it will "afford him reasonable time to focus on the allegations levelled against him in order to clear his name from a dark cloud hanging over his head". This suggests the union believes the suspension is a necessary step to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
The allegations against Mkhwanazi and the subsequent suspension of Behari have brought into sharp focus the issue of corruption within the EMPD and the broader Ekurhuleni municipality. The Madlanga Commission, established to investigate these matters, is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged criminal network and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials.
The suspension of Advocate Behari raises several critical questions. What specific actions did Behari allegedly take to protect Mkhwanazi? What evidence has been presented to the Madlanga Commission to support these allegations? And what measures are being taken to ensure the integrity of the internal investigation into Behari's conduct?
The City's decision to suspend Behari with full pay has also drawn criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that such a move sends the wrong message, suggesting a lack of accountability for those accused of serious wrongdoing. Others maintain that the suspension is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent any potential interference.
The case has sparked intense debate about the role of law enforcement in combating crime and corruption. Many are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against Mkhwanazi and Behari, with the aim of bringing those responsible for any wrongdoing to justice.
The outcome of the Madlanga Commission's investigation and the internal inquiry into Behari's conduct will have significant implications for the future of the EMPD and the Ekurhuleni municipality. The public is eagerly awaiting the findings of these investigations, hoping that they will lead to greater transparency, accountability, and good governance.
This scandal underscores the challenges faced by South African municipalities in their efforts to combat corruption and ensure the effective delivery of services to their residents. It also highlights the importance of independent oversight bodies, such as the Madlanga Commission, in holding public officials accountable for their actions.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that all parties involved act with integrity and transparency. The public deserves to know the truth about the allegations against Mkhwanazi and Behari, and those found guilty of wrongdoing must be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
The future of the EMPD and the Ekurhuleni municipality depends on it.
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