Four senior officials from the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality, including a former municipal manager and a suspended police department deputy chief, have been arrested as part of a corruption investigation.The arrests were recommended by the Madlanga commission of inquiry, which has uncovered allegations of fraud and protection among key personnel.

The suspects include Linda Gxasheka (suspended head of human resources), Kemi Behari (legal advocate), Julius Mkhwanazi (EMPD deputy chief), and Imogen Mashazi (former municipal manager).Police confirmed the arrests were part of a takedown operation in Johannesburg, with the suspects expected to appear in court.

The commission heard that Mkhwanazi was allegedly shielded by co-accused individuals, including Behari, who reportedly advised Mashazi that internal disciplinary cases against Mkhwanazi were 'not good'.

Gxasheka is accused of failing to enforce actions against Mkhwanazi, while others claimed they received salary increases for protecting the officials.The case highlights systemic issues in municipal governance and potential misuse of public resources.