Mkhwanazi, Behari granted bail in fraud and corruption case

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and the city’s suspended Head of Legal Services, Khemraj Behari, have each been granted R50 000 bail after appearing in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on fraud and corruption charges.

The pair appeared alongside former Ekurhuleni City Manager, Imogen Mashazi, and the city’s Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, who were arrested during an overnight operation by the Commissions Recommendations Task Team.

Mashazi and Gxasheka’s bail applications were postponed to Friday to allow the State to verify their residential addresses. 

Despite Mkhwanazi and Behari being granted bail, all four accused will remain in custody at the Brooklyn Police Station until Friday after the court’s bail office had closed by the time the magistrate delivered the ruling. 

The charges stem from allegations that Mkhwanazi was protected from disciplinary action after allegedly assisting alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, by unlawfully registering four of his VIP protection vehicles as EMPD vehicles.

Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the vehicles were illegally fitted with blue lights and registered on the metro police system, creating the impression that they were official law enforcement vehicles.

“It was highly unlawful for Cat Matlala’s private security vehicles to be fitted with blue lights and registered under EMPD. This would have enabled him to bypass roadblocks and evade law enforcement,” Mathe said.

Investigators also allege Matlala was issued with an appointment card identifying him as a law enforcement officer, which police believe helped facilitate his alleged criminal activities.

According to the investigation, disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi were initiated in 2023 after journalist, Jeff Wicks, sent an inquiry to the city exposing the alleged scheme. 

Police allege that Mashazi, Behari and Gxasheka later intervened to lift Mkhwanazi’s suspension, halt the disciplinary process and withdraw the matter.

The State further alleges that the accused approved salary increases that had not been authorised by council, forming the basis of the fraud and corruption charges.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, says prosecutors are hoping for a speedy trial.

“We really appreciate the law enforcement agencies that are working together in a manner that will provide results as soon as possible. We hope that this matter will be finalised as soon as possible because we do not want any delays from our side, and we hope the same will apply from their side,” said Kganyago. 

#YNews: #YNews: Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and suspended Ekurhuleni Head of Legal Services Kemi Behari have been granted R50,000 bail each.

The bail applications of former City Manager Imogen Mashazi and Head of HR Linda Gxasheka will continue tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/aOq68ze888

— Y (@Yfm) July 9, 2026