Ekurhuleni legal chief suspended for failing to act against EMPD top cop

City of Ekurhuleni Head of Legal, Kemi Behari, has been suspended for failing to carry out disciplinary action against Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) top cop Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi was recently suspended for allegedly entering the EMPD into a fraudulent contract with alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

The contract reportedly saw Matlala’s private security and medical companies unlawfully issued with the City’s blue and red lights.

Two years ago, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was brought in to investigate the EMPD’s questionable contract with Matlala.

IPID made damning findings against Mkhwanazi, concluding that he had no authority or mandate to enter the department into any agreement.

It further found that the memorandum of understanding signed with Matlala’s Cat VIP Protection and Medicare24 companies was fraudulent.

IPID then recommended disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi, but for more than two years no action was taken.

Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe has confirmedthat Behari is among those accused of failing to implement the recommendations.

"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," said Menashe.

There is also a proposal to suspend Ekurhuleni head of Human Resources (HR), Linda Gxasheka, who is accused of also failing to enforce disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi.

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