Ekurhuleni Legal Chief Suspended Over Commission Allegations
Precautionary suspension follows claims raised at the Madlanga Commission.
image: Eyewitness News
by Kelebogile Matlou
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that Advocate Kemi Behari, Head of Department for Legal and Risk Services, has been placed on precautionary suspension with full pay as per a Municipal Council resolution passed on November 18.
The suspension comes after Behari was implicated in the Madlanga Commission, where it was stated that he deliberately obstructed disciplinary action against suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla adds that Behari was given the opportunity to submit written comments while the City investigated whether grounds existed to enforce the precautionary suspension. After carefully reviewing his claims and the applicable legal context, the City decided to suspend him.
According to the City, the decision is not an admission of guilt and does not constitute disciplinary action. It is an interim action designed to protect the integrity of current internal processes, safeguard the municipality’s interests, and uphold good governance standards.
