Four current and former senior officials linked to the City of Ekurhuleni appeared in court after being arrested during an overnight operation led by the task team established to implement the recommendations of the Madlanga Commission.

The accused are suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, the city's head of legal, advocate Kemi Behari, suspended head of human resources Linda Gxasheka and former city manager Imogen Mashazi.

They face corruption-related charges arising from allegations that disciplinary and internal investigative processes connected to claims that Mkhwanazi improperly facilitated the installation of blue lights on vehicles belonging to Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala were deliberately obstructed.During the bail proceedings, Mkhwanazi and Behari were each granted bail of R50,000.

The State opposed the bail applications of Mashazi and Gxasheka, requesting additional time to verify information relating to their residential addresses and property ownership.

Behari told the court that remaining in custody would hinder his ability to prepare for matters before Scopa, the Madlanga Commission and internal municipal investigations.Court documents indicate he earns more than R200,000 per month.Mashazi argued that she is not a flight risk and informed the court that she suffers from diabetes and hypertension.

Prosecutors further allege that Mashazi instructed Gxasheka and Behari to stop disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi and withdraw internal investigations.

The State also claims Mashazi approved salary increases of approximately R600,000 for Behari and Gxasheka despite objections from the city council, and alleges the two officials were still serving probation when they received those increases in 2023.The allegations remain before the court and have not yet been proven.