By Mapaballo Borotho

- Former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi, suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, former HR head Linda Gxasheka and former legal services head Kemi Behari have appeared in court on corruption-related charges.
- The State alleges Mashazi offered gratification to Behari and Gxasheka as part of efforts to shield Mkhwanazi from disciplinary proceedings.
- The case stems from allegations uncovered during the Madlanga Commission’s investigation into corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni.
The State has charged former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi with corruption and gratification.
Mashazi is appearing before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court alongside her co-accused, suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, former Ekurhuleni HR head Linda Gxasheka and the City’s former Head of Legal Services, Kemi Behari.
The four were arrested on Wednesday evening by the Madlanga Commission Recommendations Task Team.
During court proceedings on Thursday, 9 July 2026, the State alleged that Mashazi offered gratification to Behari and Gxasheka, who are, in turn, accused of receiving that gratification.
Mkhwanazi, who is also a central figure in the matter, has been charged with corruption.
The case relates to allegations that the accused attempted to shield Mkhwanazi from disciplinary proceedings linked to his dealings with controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
These include allegations surrounding the use of blue lights allegedly fitted to Matlala’s vehicles, which were reportedly registered under the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality through Mkhwanazi.
The matter continues before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.
A summary of their Madlanga Commission testimonies
- During her testimony at the commission earlier this year, Gxasheka denied allegations that she had protected suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action and obstruction of justice charges. She also rejected claims that she interfered in disciplinary processes or unlawfully lifted suspensions.
- Mashazi told the Madlanga Commission that she may have overlooked the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report recommending that Mkhwanazi face disciplinary action over allegations of fraud and corruption relating to two contracts allegedly awarded to companies linked to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
- Earlier this year, Behari denied allegations that he received any gratification in exchange for halting disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi. Behari maintained that there was never a point at which he called for the disciplinary case to be terminated for lack of merit.
This is a developing story. Follow updates as the story unfolds @Kaya News on X.
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