Suspended Head of Legal and Risk Services for the City of Ekurhuleni Advocate Kemi Behari who was fingered as the protector of the suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is taking a stand at the Madlanga Commission.
Behari was placed on precautionary suspension with full pay following testimony that linked him to the alleged obstruction of disciplinary processes within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
The primary allegation against Behari is that he played a key role in preventing disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi, who was repeatedly linked to alleged misconduct, including the controversial authorisation of blue lights for private security vehicles and other irregularities.
Former head of employee relations Xolani Nciza, Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa all told the commission that Behari and his cronies which include Former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka were blocking any disciplinary measures concerning Mkhwanazi.
According to Mapiyeye, this group frustrated internal accountability processes and, instead, he himself became the subject of repeated suspensions.
He further testified that the pressure escalated to the point where he faced a sexual harassment charge in November 2024, which he claims was used to remove him from office while Mkhwanazi remained protected.
Spies delivered some of the commission’s most explosive testimony, describing parts of the EMPD as operating like a “criminal enterprise.”
He told the commission that senior municipal officials, including those within legal services, shielded certain officers from accountability.
Spies named Behari as part of a network that allegedly ensured Mkhwanazi and others were insulated from investigation and discipline, despite serious allegations being raised internally.
Nciza further implicated Behari, testifying that all disciplinary investigations involving Mkhwanazi were required to pass through Behari for approval.
Nciza said this effectively gave Behari control over whether investigations proceeded, stalled, or stopped entirely.
He also testified that during this period, both Behari and HR head Linda Gxasheka received significant salary increases, which he suggested raised serious questions about incentives and loyalty within the system.
Thepa did not directly accuse Behari, but her testimony provided important context about the internal environment at EMPD.
Thepa told the commission that she was subjected to smear attempts after becoming involved in investigations linked to the Cat Matlala blue light scandal.
Thepa told the commission that at some stage her life was in danger and even received death threaths that she will be burnt alive after she began questioning the Cat Matlala’s Cat VIP contract.