Four current and former officials of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, including suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and former City Manager Imogen Mashazi, were arrested overnight in Johannesburg on 9 July 2026 by the Commission Recommendations Task Team on charges of fraud and corruption. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed the suspects — also including suspended Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari and suspended Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka — are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.

Details Of Arrests And Charges

The arrests followed the Madlanga Commission’s findings into alleged corruption within Ekurhuleni municipal structures. Both current and former staff are implicated, according to a statement by law enforcement on 9 July 2026. The Commission Recommendations Task Team led the operation based on recommendations from the Madlanga Commission, which has been probing irregularities in procurement and governance in the metro.

The charges against the four officials relate to alleged fraudulent activity and corruption in the execution of their municipal duties. Officials involved had already been suspended prior to their arrests, in line with ongoing internal investigations, the municipality previously confirmed. The police did not disclose further detail on the specific allegations pending the court appearance.

Political And Legal Reactions

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni has demanded swift action from municipal and prosecuting authorities. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA’s mayoral candidate in Ekurhuleni, said during a media briefing the party is “stepping up efforts to ensure accountability in the metro” after the arrests. The DA has consistently called for transparency and reform within Ekurhuleni following several oversight reports highlighting governance concerns.

These arrests form part of ongoing efforts to address allegations of systemic corruption in major metros across Gauteng. Similar investigations and commission-led interventions have underlined weaknesses in municipal oversight, a recurring factor in public sector corruption cases nationally.

The suspects are expected to apply for bail during their first appearance. Further details on the alleged offences and the municipality’s internal responses are anticipated after the court proceedings.