Former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogan Mashazi and suspended head of human resources Linda Gxasheka were on Friday granted R50 000 bail each after the State completed the verification of their residential addresses, meaning all four accused in the Ekurhuleni corruption case have now been released.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said suspended head of legal services advocate Khemraj Behari and suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi, who were granted bail on Thursday, were also released on Friday after paying their R50,000 bail, having been unable to do so the previous day.
The matter has been postponed to 28 August for further investigations.
The four accused face four counts of corruption linked to the alleged abuse of public office, unlawful salary adjustments and the obstruction of internal disciplinary processes.
The case stems from an investigation launched in February 2023 after the EMPD received media enquiries regarding the alleged use of municipal vehicles by CAT VIP Protection, a private security company owned by controversial businessman Vusumuzi Matlala.
According to the State, investigations revealed that Mkhwanazi allegedly received municipal vehicles from the company, caused them to be registered as part of the municipal fleet without the necessary approvals, and later deregistered them while internal investigations were under way.
Prosecutors further allege that despite recommendations by the EMPD and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) that Mkhwanazi face disciplinary action, Mashazi, Behari and Gxasheka acted together to frustrate and ultimately halt the disciplinary process, resulting in Mkhwanazi’s precautionary suspension being lifted prematurely.
The State also alleges that Behari and Gxasheka unlawfully benefited from salary increases exceeding R1.3 million each without the approval of the Ekurhuleni Council, while Mkhwanazi allegedly received an irregular salary increase of more than R650 000 following what prosecutors describe as a flawed recruitment process.
The arrests followed allegations that emerged before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where former Ekurhuleni employee relations director Xolani Nciza testified that Behari and Gxasheka blocked disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi despite recommendations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability for corruption involving public officials and will continue to prosecute matters where there is sufficient evidence to hold those entrusted with public office accountable,” the prosecuting authority said.
