Four former Ekurhuleni municipal officials—former manager Imogen Mashazi, head of human resources Linda Gxasheka, and legal advisor Adv Kemi Behari—are charged with corruption and fraud for allegedly blocking disciplinary proceedings against Julius Mkhwanazi, who was implicated in a blue light scandal.

The state alleges that the four colluded to frustrate investigations into Mkhwanazi’s alleged misconduct, including gifting blue lights to a cartel-linked security firm without formal agreements.

As part of their conspiracy, Mashazi reportedly instructed Gxasheka and Behari to halt disciplinary actions against Mkhwanazi, leading to fraudulent salary increments for the three accused.

Behari’s monthly salary jumped from R159,250 to R208,024, while Gxasheka received similar adjustments, with their combined illegal payments totaling R2.66m between 2023 and 2026.

The charge sheet claims the salary increases were approved through manipulated processes involving the mayoral committee, despite the officials being on probation.Mkhwanazi was also accused of receiving an unjustified R1.7m salary package upon appointment, bypassing assessment phases.All four face fraud and corruption charges, with Mashazi and Gxasheka’s bail applications opposed due to property verification concerns.The National Prosecuting Authority aims to resolve the case urgently, highlighting systemic malfeasance in municipal governance.